Vascular services to remain unchanged

News Release
02/02/2012

Vascular services in southern Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will remain unchanged for the time being after detailed discussions and debate between surgeons, GPs, Trusts and commissioners.

Following feedback from local stakeholders and communities the Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth (SHIP) PCT Cluster had asked local Trusts to work together to deliver a networked vascular service across the two hospital sites, with as much vascular activity as clinically safe retained at Queen Alexandra Hospital. The Trusts have been unable to reach an agreement about how this network would work.

Debbie Fleming, chief executive for the SHIP PCT Cluster said:

“The PCT Cluster and local CCGs recognise that both Trusts are working to develop services for their patients, amidst a range of challenges and different pressures and whilst we are very disappointed with this outcome, we respect the differing positions of the two organisations.

“We remain committed to ensuring all local services meet the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland guidelines and the NHS South Central service specification to deliver the best outcomes for all local people.

“We recognise that Queen Alexandra Hospital is a large acute centre and as a result of debate and discussions with Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust we have greater clarity on how the Trust meets the required standards and service specification. For this reason we have decided to continue to commission the current service at this time but will keep it under review to ensure the Trust develops the service to meet all of the local and national standards. This will include continuing to work with the Trust to ensure it recruits the surgeons required for the service.

“This decision means that we will not require a public consultation but I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to give us their views during the last few months. It has been a very valuable listening exercise and we have received a great deal of useful and constructive feedback. All the views received to date have been carefully recorded and will be taken into account in the commissioning intentions of PCT Cluster, local CCGs and the National Specialist Commissioning team.”

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