| Posted by Adapt (adapt) on Oct 27 2009 |
Throughout the consultation, the location of the new hospital was controversial and it was clear that no one site would suit everyone.
The NHS North of Tyne board accepted the conclusions of two independent reports on the best location for the new hospital and noted that the site decision was still subject to site acquisition, local authority planning and highways consent.
Assurances were given that public transport plans, patient transport arrangements and facilities for relatives and carers would be properly addressed as the development goes ahead.
Chris Reed, chief executive of NHS North of Tyne, said: “These developments will bring great improvements in facilities and services, offering better choices for people across the area. People are rightly anxious that there must be the greatest possible choice of services and hospitals. Some patients arrive in a ‘blue light’ ambulance and for speed they will always be taken to the nearest hospital that can provide the proper clinical care. For the majority of patients, though will want to discuss their options with their GPs and decide which hospital they should go to.”
The board also received assurances on the future role of the three general hospitals (Wansbeck, North Tyneside and Hexham) in continuing to deliver high quality and safe care for their local communities.
The importance of close working with the local authorities to ensure smooth and effective discharge arrangements was also recognised by the board.
The board considered a number of clinical issues including maternity, children and older people’s services for the future.
Lyn Dixon, executive nurse for NHS North of Tyne, said: “We believe that the model of care for children at the new hospital should be short stay assessment. The majority of children attending this unit will need a short period of treatment and observation from specialists and will either be discharged or transferred as appropriate to the Great North Children’s Hospital at Newcastle for ongoing care,
She continued: “Local GPs have been working with Northumbria Healthcare to progress the development of assessment units at the three general hospitals to avoid unnecessary travelling for older people.”
The board agreed that further consideration was needed in the coming months about midwifery maternity provision, although the medically-led obstetrics service should be located in the new hospital.
Lyn Dixon added: “The new emergency care hospital and other proposals to improve Wansbeck and North Tyneside general hospitals and re-build community hospitals at Berwick and Haltwhistle will result in significant benefits and brand new facilities for patients living across the North of Tyne area.
“Given the level of interest that we have seen in these proposals it is very important that Northumbria Healthcare continues to involve local people and key groups as they developments progress.”
The board report is available on www.northoftyne.nhs.uk
Last changed: Oct 27 2009 at 9:24 PM
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