NHS Lanarkshire is concerned that the recent media coverage regarding our trauma and orthopaedic service has raised concerns for our patients and members of the public.

We would like to assure patients, staff and the public that the decision taken by the Board was based on a compelling case for change now, in order to address a currently increasing level of risk to the safety and quality of care provided.

Dr Jane Burns, divisional medical director for acute services said: “The decision to consolidate all operating at Wishaw and Hairmyres and retain outpatient services at Monklands was based on the feasibility of accommodating the essential components of the service, particularly operating theatres.

“The decision was not taken lightly and was not based on the level of performance of any one team. There has been extensive engagement and discussion over the past years with staff and stakeholders to look at all possible options.

“We recognise that change is not always universally accepted and that some of our clinical staff have expressed anxiety about the proposed changes recognising that it will affect their usual place of work.

“We have sought to engage with these staff throughout the development of the current proposals and have repeatedly offered to meet with the consultants who have now publicly expressed concern, but they have not as yet been able to confirm a date for that meeting.

“We would like to be clear that 16 of the 20 substantive consultants are in support of both the final phase of a single trauma site and the interim phase of a two site model for trauma and elective orthopaedic operating. They have confirmed the escalating level of risk to the service and agree that proposals will improve safety and quality of care. They too are anxious to meet with their colleagues to agree a way forward and address the concerns expressed”.

The proposals regarding trauma and orthopaedics will bring significant patient benefits including:

• maintaining a consistently safe environment for patients and staff fit for the 21st century

delivering improved and more consistent outcomes for patients

• reducing the time patients spend in hospital after surgery

• improving waiting times

• helping with recruitment and provide a sustainable, specialist workforce.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has also confirmed that the services of our emergency departments would not be adversely impacted by the proposals and the Academy have given this reassurance (see attached letter for reference).

Full details of the proposal and the minute of the Board discussions can be found on the NHSL website at http://www2.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/Involved/consultation/Ortho/Pages/default.aspx

http://www2.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/boards/2016-board-papers/Pages/July.aspx