Outrage as Stafford hospital services move early
Inpatient blood services at Stafford's County Hospital have transferred to Wolverhampton and Stoke in a controversial move.
The relocation comes a week before a public consultation is launched to find a permanent long-term home for the service.
The decision to move treatment for patients with blood disorders ahead of the six-week consultation has angered campaigners.
The Support Stafford Hospital group said moving the service to Royal Stoke University Hospital and New Cross Hospital before asking patients for their opinions is an 'insult'.
Campaigner Cheryl Porter said: "Holding this consultation after just proves that our views mean nothing. It's insulting but, after four years of campaigning, we know that any consultation, even if thousands share their views, means nothing.
"It's a tick-box service to say they have spoken to patients, nothing more."
The relocation was announced at a Clinical Commissioning Group meeting in a report by chairman, Andy Donald.
The report blames the 'difficulties in recruiting specialist doctors' and 'outdated facilities' for the transfer from the Weston Road site.
It read: "Due to the difficulties in recruiting specialist doctors and nurses, the absence of important supporting services at County Hospital and the outdated facilities, following a review has led to a decision to move the service temporarily to ensure these vulnerable and seriously ill patients get the best possible care and treatments and to ensure their recovery during crisis, until a final decision is made following the public consultation."
The consultation will run from September 14 until October 26 and will included two public events at the Aquarius Ballroom in Hednesford on September 16 and at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on September 29.
A final decision will then be made by CCG members for Cannock and Stafford.
But Mrs Porter warned: "This won't be a temporary move, once it has gone, it's gone. Just like maternity and children's services.
"The people behind this don't listen to a word patients say to them.
"This concerns people who are fighting for their lives let alone having to fight for the services they need on their doorstep, close to family.
"As always it is about money and not the needs of patients.
"How much more can they move from the hospital and keep it sustainable? There will be nothing left."
