Future of on-going hospitals revamp will not happen until after the general election

The Advertiser recently reported that the Future of Acute Hospital Services in Worcestershire (FoAHSW) programme board had unanimously received the proposed clinical model following its approval by the board’s Clinical Sub Committee.

That decision followed concerns about patient safety from doctors and calls for another model, or option 2, from MPs, council leaders and campaigners trying to protect services at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital, to be considered.

The proposed clinical model will now be submitted to the West Midlands Clinical Senate for review - but that will not happen until December.

This means that it will not be possible to go out to public consultation until after the general election in May 2015.

Joanna Newton, independent chairman of the Programme Board, said that the delay was regrettable but it will give the board the opportunity to complete more preparatory work, particularly on transport and engagement.

"We have planned a series of public and patient engagement events and will continue to listen to comments raised," she said.

"We remain fully committed to delivering the proposed clinical changes because we believe that they are necessary to secure the best outcomes for patients across Worcestershire.

"Our immediate focus now will be on ensuring the safety and sustainability of current acute hospital services, particularly in paediatrics, obstetrics and emergency surgery in this interim period."

The proposed clinical model is the modified version of option 1, which was recommended by the independent clinical review panel in January 2014.

It involves the creation of a networked emergency centre at the Alex Hospital, the centralisation of maternity services at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and paediatric inpatients would be centralised in Worcester but a day-time consultant-led paediatric assessment unit at the Alex would accept referrals from GPs and other professionals.

Option 2, which was the one preferred by campaigners and local MPS, would have seen another provider, one consideration being University Hospitals Birmingham, take over services at the Alex Hospital.