Wirral Council asks for more consultation over controversial changes to hospital services in Wirral

Feb 29 2012 by Helen Hunt, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL Council has told NHS chiefs to have more consultation over controversial changes to hospital services in the borough.

As part of a shake-up of vascular services there are proposals to create two surgical centres of excellence to provide better care for those with disorders such as burst or blocked blood vessels.

Under the plans there would be a centre based at the Royal Liverpool Hospital for patients north of the Mersey and another at the Countess of Chester hospital for patients in Wirral, Chester and Warrington.

The move is thought necessary to save more patients lives by concentrating expertise.

But in Wirral the plans have come under fierce criticism with doctors voicing opposition to the plan, wanting the service to remain at Arrowe Park.

And the borough’s council has also voiced concerns after a petition of almost 3,000 names was handed in opposing the changes.

Chair of Wirral's health committee, Cllr Pat Glasman, said that the highest incidence of vascular conditions in Wirral is north of the M53 among the less well off meaning they will have further to travel but will have less means to do so.

She said: "The other point is the surgeons at Arrowe Park are telling us this is the thin end of the wedge, all the expertise is already at Arrowe Park and it will cost more in the short term to move this to Chester."

Cllr Ian Lewis, Cabinet Member for Community and Customer Engagement, said: "It is really important that the NHS consults widely on these major changes to vascular services. Wirral Council has already requested that extra public meetings be held in Wirral.

"At the last council meeting, a petition of more than 2,000 names was submitted.

‘‘This will automatically now trigger a further discussion on the proposals and I am keen that this should be another opportunity for the public to get involved and have their say."

Consultation events will be held across Wirral, in Birkenhead on March 9, Hoylake on March 12, Bebington on March 14, and Wallasey on March 30.

Visit vascularconsultation.org.uk