In response to the NHS’s Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs), it would appear that further significant cuts are likely to be made in services nationwide over the next five years. In an attempt to reduce spending, bed numbers are being reduced and A&E departments may be closed as NHS Trusts across the country come under further financial pressure.
Amongst many others, plans are under consideration for the following cuts to services:
- Hospital closures in Leicestershire at Melton Mowbray, Lutterworth or Hinckley, leading to a significant reduction of available beds
- One of Staffordshire’s 3 A&E units at Stafford’s County Hospital, Royal Stoke or Queens in Burton to be downgraded to save money
- Approximately 200 beds may be lost in two major hospitals in Nottinghamshire in an attempt to save £600 million.
- In Lincolnshire, the closure of the A&E department at Grantham is under discussion
- In Cheshire & Merseyside, plans to downgrade three A&E units are under discussion as part of plans to save £900 million.
- A&E opening hours are under review in Lancashire at Southport, Warrington and Whiston hospitals
- In Devon, community hospitals at Honiton, Oakhampton, Dartmouth and Paignton may close within five years with the loss of 600 beds
- In Somerset, maternity and oncology wards at the county’s two main hospitals – Taunton and Yeovil – could merge in a bid to save £600 million.
Not surprisingly, the response of the president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Taj Hassan, as revealed in The Times today, was one of concern for patient care. He commented that the news was very concerning and that “if beds and emergency departments are to be cut, there needs to be a clear alternative for patients.”
Medical Negligence
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