Agenda item

Bev Searle, Director of Joint Commissioning, NHS Berkshire, outlined a briefing setting out proposed changes to stroke, major trauma and Vascular Surgery in the South Central Region.  The Panel was advised that clinical experience had shown that concentrating services saved lives, improved patient recovery and reduced the likelihood of patient suffering long-term disabilities.  The main proposals for change would be that stroke, major trauma and vascular surgery patients would be treated by specialist staff concentrated in a smaller number of hospitals which would mean that some patients had to travel further than their local hospital to be treated. 

The Panel noted the current provision for stroke services and was advised that it was proposed that adults and children who suffered major trauma would be taken to the major trauma centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford rather to their local Accident and Emergency provision.  Patients would remain at John Radcliffe Hospital until they were stable and they would then be transferred to a dedicated local trauma unit closer to home or other specialist rehabilitation location for ongoing care.  In respect of Vascular Surgery, it was proposed that the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford would provide all emergency and elective complex in patient vascular service.  The Royal Berks Hospital in Reading and Wexham Park Hospital in Slough would retain vascular surgeons for day cases, diagnostics and local outpatient services. 

NHS Berkshire had requested feedback on whether the proposals would benefit Slough’s local population with no negative aspects and if the Panel was happy for NHS to proceed with changes without further consultation.  In the ensuing debate a member commented that John Radcliffe Hospital was some distance away from Slough and was advised by Ms Searle that Wexham Park Hospital would be retained for day cases and vascular works.  Any patients transferred to John Radcliffe Hospital would remain only as long as necessary and would then transfer if necessary back to Wexham Park Hospital.  It was clear that there was a balance between the distance travelled and the availability of expert care.  A further member commented that clearly John Radcliffe Hospital had an excellent reputation and this is why the hospital would have been selected. The Panel did not request that further consultation be carried out prior to the implementation of the proposed changes. 

Resolved - That the report be noted.