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Hospital chiefs in clash over A&E
War of words as report recommends creation of superclinics in major reorganisation
A REVIEW of the National Health Service in London has led to a row between the chief executives of the Whittington and UCLH over the future of accident and emergency services in the borough.
The report, published by Healthcare minister professor Ara Darzi last week, recommends a massive reorganisation of GP surgeries and hospitals, which could see the creation of hundreds of superclinics and the closure of some A&E departments.
UCLH chief executive Robert Naylor last week identified the Whittington as one hospital that could be under threat.
Mr Naylor said his own A&E department would be safe, but added: “We’ve just spent £400 million on a 40-year contract. Of course it’s not going to be under threat. It’s going to be very positive for UCLH. Hospitals that may be most challenged are those providing mainly local, acute services, like the Whittington. Some of their less complex services could be reprovided in the new polyclinics, while more of the complex cases will be centralised in specialist centres like the new UCH.”
But Whittington chief executive David Sloman disputed this, saying: “Mr Naylor is totally missing the point. The Darzi report is not about complex surgery, polyclinics or institutions, it’s about people and patients. The other important principle is that most care will be closer to home, although some of the complex care will be in specialist hospitals.
“It’s to localise where possible and centralise where necessary. The Whittington is extremely well-placed to contribute to that and flourish under the Darzi vision.”
He added: “A&E is safe. The hospital will have an A&E department open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year, and it is really important that it is clear that there is no threat to this service.”
Mr Sloman, Mr Naylor and Royal Free chief executive Andrew Way all welcomed the report.
Both Mr Naylor and Mr Way have pinned their hopes on joining their hospitals to polyclinics on site, while Mr Sloman says he is considering the concept.
Mr Way, who wants to develop the hospital’s expertise in stroke services and cardiac services, said: “We want to talk to PCTs (Primary Care Trusts) about how to develop a polyclinic that has GPs sitting alongside hospital consultants, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists.”
The reforms will also look at making individual hospitals into specialist centres and Mr Sloman wants the Whittington to develop its expertise in women and children.
He said: “We have found that women are choosing to come here. Our births have gone up by 16 per cent this year and continue to rise.”
The Whttington plans to rebuild its maternity wing.
For UCLH, Mr Naylor said: “We aim to become world class in neuroscience, women’s health, cardiac and cancer – these are the thing we’re so strong at.”
He added: “Since this report has been in gestation, we’re planning to have a polyclinic at UCH.” |
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