Backing is urged for merger of Staffordshire hospitals
Hospital chiefs have outlined the benefits of merging services across Staffordshire and urged campaigners to embrace change.
Trust leaders pledged to listen and respond to concerns, questions and suggestions from communities on the changes set out in the 'clinical model'.
Mark Hackett, chief executive of University Hospital of North Staffordshire, set out the benefits of integrating University Hospital and Stafford Hospital.
He said these include: access to increased consultant-led care with higher levels of consultant cover out-of-hours and at weekend; setting up an integrated paediatric assessment process; and expansion of 'hospital at home' services.
At a special meeting held with Support Stafford Hospital members, patient representatives and members of the public, Mr Hackett said the aim is to work with the groups concerned on planning new buildings and services.
This was the first in a series of 'communication and engagement' sessions planned by University Hospital.
The clinical model was recommended by Trust Special Administrators (TSA) to Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust (MSFT) – and approved by the Secretary of State in February.
MSFT chief executive Maggie Oldham joined Mr Hackett and senior University Hospital colleagues at the event last week, which was supported by Healthwatch Staffordshire.
Mr Hackett added that £60 million investment at Stafford Hospital would bring the building up to modern standards and enhance 'patient experience'. Mr Hackett said this would give greater privacy and dignity with more single rooms and en suite facilities and total refurbishment and expansion of the A&E Department. "We have secured funding of £40m to expand facilities at City General Hospital and will have an additional 100 beds and a new 12-bedded critical care unit by January/February next year, plus new wards for acute surgery and gynaecology and more car parking." He said there are also plans to look into providing a shuttle bus service for staff between the two sites.
See also:
Seven GP practices face merger and shake up
Stafford hospital camp prepares to host NHS campaigners from across the country
