Public to have say on hospital proposals (From This Is Cheshire)

Public to have say on hospital proposals

5:00pm Saturday 11th February 2012 in News By Hannah Bargery

HOSPITAL bosses are asking patients, visitors and members of the public to take part in a consultation over the future of vascular services in Cheshire and Merseyside.

Staff, public governors, MPs and councillors have expressed concerns at proposals that could see emergency vascular operations stopped at Warrington Hospital and patients travelling to Chester instead.

Mel Pickup, chief executive at Warrington and Halton Hospitals, said: “The review’s initial findings were a disappointing outcome. We believed that there was strong evidence for three designated centres within the area with Warrington being one of those, but the members of the review panel disagreed.

“I believe Warrington would make an excellent arterial centre.

“Whatever service models are to be put in place in the future, we have to be assured that Warrington and Halton Hospitals is able to secure the best possible vascular care for its patients.”

Meanwhile Helen Jones MP has arranged to meet Kathy Doran, chief executive of NHS Cheshire, Wirral and Warrington, at the end of February to make the case for keeping the services in the town.

She said: “Since I launched a campaign against the plan to remove the essential vascular services from Warrington Hospital, I have received the support of hundreds of residents.

“People are outraged that such a crucial service may be taken out of our hospital.”

The MP urged residents to register their oppostition on the vascular consultation website or sign a petition on her website opposing the move.

A public consultation takes place at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on March 2 from 10am to 2pm.

Visit vascularconsultation.org.uk.