Government vascular services review welcomed by protestors (From Wirral Globe)
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Government vascular services review welcomed by protestors
3:20pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News Exclusive By Stephanie Cureton
Alec McFadden secretary of Wirral TUC at the Wirral TUC demonstration march to Arrowe Park Hospital
NEWS that the controversial decision to move complex vascular services away from Wirral will now be reviewed by the Government has been welcomed by protestors.
Council leader Phil Davies revealed today that Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt has ordered a review –of the plans.
Wirral TUC secretary Alec McFadden organised a protest march to Arrowe Park in a bid to save the services.
He said: “This is fantastic news for Wirral and I congratulate Phil Davies and the council for pushing for this.
“We would like to play a full role in any detailed review to speak up for the staff and the vulnerable people who have used the services and who will do in the future.
“I don’t think there is any politician in Wirral who supports NHS Wirral’s decision - it is not right to move these services away.”
The proposals were given the go-ahead earlier this year would see the majority of vascular surgical procedures being transferred to the Countess of Chester Hospital.
However the scheme was opposed by trade unions and some senior clinicians who believed Arrowe Park should be the region’s “centre for excellence.”
They argued Wirral had a greater need for the services and that the extra travelling distance could put lives at risk.
But following two letters from the council’s health and well-being overview and scrutiny committee, Mr Hunt has now put plans in place for a review into the decision.
Councillor Davies said it was vital that the borough’s vascular services are protected.
He said: “I am pleased that the Secretary of State has recognised the need to examine the decision to move these excellent, specialist services from Arrowe Park.
“I strongly believe we should do all we can to protect these local services that have helped to save so many lives.”
The Secretary of State has requested that the Independent Reconfiguration Panel report back to him by December 7 with their recommendations on whether a full, detailed review on the decision should take place.
