Stroke, major trauma and vascular surgery services are being reviewed by the three primary care trust (PCT) clusters in the NHS South Central region which cover Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The proposals are to concentrate on stroke, major trauma and vascular surgery services in places where there are specialists and support services available around the clock. National clinical experience shows that this approach saves lives, improves patient recovery and reduces the likelihood of patients suffering long-term disabilities.
The engagement work is taking place for all three services at the same time because they are connected. Each requires a range of specialist support services including access to specialist theatres, X-ray, scanning and intensive care.
The main change will be that stroke, major trauma and vascular surgery patients will be treated by specialist staff concentrated in a smaller number of hospitals.
Stroke
Specialist 24 hour centres have been shown to improve outcomes for patients and reduce long term disability. Changes to services are already being made in South Central and improvements being seen.
The proposals being made will not change the existing arrangements but they will formalise them. Because of the need for patients to receive the necessary treatments as quickly as possible the networks for this service will be provided in a number of hospitals.
Major trauma
Evidence shows dedicated units with expert teams can save more lives.
The proposals for the major trauma centres designate the John Radcliffe Hospital as the major trauma centre for the north South Central region and Southampton General Hospital as the major trauma centre for the south of the region. For Oxford this would mean an increase in the number of patients coming to Oxford. Trauma patients often have complex injuries and because Oxford has the full range of supporting specialties required, it is able to provide a comprehensive service for these patients.
Vascular surgery
Evidence shows patient outcomes are likely to be better in centres with specialist staff caring for a high volume of patients.
Most non-urgent vascular patients would be seen in their local vascular clinic as they are now and inpatient procedures would mostly take place in Oxford. This means a doubling of our workload in Oxford but it means that we can maintain a larger specialist team of surgeons, anaesthetists, radiologists and nurses to ensure that high standards are maintained for all of our patients. All major vascular emergencies for Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire will come to Oxford for treatment.
Specific arrangements proposed for different areas are set out in a document entitled Developing Safe and Sustainable acute services in South Central – stroke, major trauma and vascular surgery engagement. The document explains each of the three services and the proposed changes and is available on the website:
www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk|
Views are being sought by 30 September 2011.
A report on the feedback received will be considered by primary care trust boards before deciding next steps.
You can find out more about how to take part in the consultation by visiting this website:
Safe and Sustainable|
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