TCI Commentary:
Media reports on Tyneside suggests that campaigners now accept that they have lost their appeal against the transfer of some stroke, maternity and paediatric services to Sunderland Hospital. It is not a surprise. We always thought that engagement and consultation in this particular case looked robust and effective – and indeed confirmed this through the Institute’s independent Quality Assurance process. As this story shows, however, there is, as always, community anxiety about change in the NHS and we expect local Managers to be very conscious of best practice when it comes to implementing new arrangements …
Article:
A High Court judge blocked Save South Tyneside Hospital’s initial opposition to the CCGs’ decision in 2018. The group, which fears the extra travelling time in reaching Sunderland will put patients at risk while creating further stress and inconvenience for their families, then forced last November’s Court of Appeal hearing. But the CCGs insist the changes are in the best interests of people across South Tyneside and Sunderland. Maternity care now consists of a consultant-led unit in Sunderland and a midwife-led department on South Tyneside. Paediatric services combine daytime emergency provision on South Tyneside with 24/7 provision in Sunderland.
Matt Brown, director at NHS South Tyneside CCG, speaking on behalf of both CCGs, said he was pleased by the latest verdict and added: “Throughout we have always said that these changes are about doing what is right for our patients and protecting vulnerable hospital services which are much safer and more sustainable since we implemented all the changes at the start of August 2019.
“This week we are celebrating 100 babies who’ve been born in South Tyneside since the summer, and we continue to see better care and outcomes for people who suffer a stroke as a direct consequence to the changes we have made. We can now finally conclude what has been a lengthy legal process and most importantly we’d like to thank our hardworking fantastic clinical teams without whom we would not have the excellent care they provide to their patients.”
Roger Nettleship, the chairman of the campaign group, which attracted around 30,000 signatures, said: “Of course everyone is very disappointed and we are still discussing the implications of the outcome with our solicitors.”
He added that Save South Tyneside Hospital would still fight to “protect other vital services in South Tyneside Hospital”.
Article originally appeared on The Shields Gazette
The Institute cannot confirm the accuracy of this story or confirm that it presents a balanced view. If you feel this is inaccurate, we would welcome your perspective and evidence that this is the case
