Only one 'pathway for change' in the Forest of Dean

10/05/06 - NHS sets out proposals for change

NHS Chief Executives in Gloucestershire today shared with their staff and local partners further detail on their proposals setting out how services will need to change to bring financial stability to the county and improve efficiency whilst meeting the needs of patients in the future.

NHS organisations are required to pay off current deficits and balance their books in 2006/07. For Gloucestershire’s Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) there remains a financial gap of around £14million in plans for 2006/07 and these savings need to be made.

Chief Executive of West Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, Chief Executive, Stephen Golledge explained:

“We are very proud of the services we offer to patients. However, despite continuing improvements in the way the NHS provides services locally and despite additional money for PCTs in 2006/07, we cannot meet current demand and expectations within our overall funds.”

“We have no option, but to speed up our plans to change services if we are to meet the needs of patients in the future. Every month that goes by without savings being made increases the level of savings required later in the year.” 

“In West Gloucestershire, it has become extremely clear in recent weeks, that our future plans for two community hospitals in the Forest of Dean are simply not achievable within this context and alongside our significant financial challenges we need to recognise that healthcare is changing.”

Greater opportunities for improved rehabilitation and management of long term illness in the patient’s own home and primary care, new technology and improved surgery and patient management is reducing the number of hospital beds needed in any given community.

The NHS in Gloucestershire is therefore keen to develop a model of service that will ensure a viable future for community based services. 

In order to safeguard community hospital services in the Forest, the PCT will explore in the longer term the development of a community health facility on a new site in the Forest of Dean.

A new facility would be more efficient to run and offer purpose built accommodation.  Some of the existing health centre accommodation in the Forest of Dean also has maintenance and space issues and new premises could also provide a solution for this.

This new health facility could provide a range of local services such as primary care, diagnostics, minor operative procedures, day services and outpatients and possibly some intermediate care beds to provide rehabilitation for patients.  

The PCT is therefore proposing that within the next six to twelve months, Dilke Memorial Hospital will close. This reflects the higher running costs of the Dilke compared to Lydney and the risk of further capital expenditure.

In the longer term, the PCT would also anticipate the closure of Lydney and District Hospital as soon as the new community health facility can be developed.

In the meantime, the PCT will seek to achieve a significant improvement in the efficiency with which surgical operations are scheduled at Lydney and District Hospital theatre.       

Commenting on Dilke Memorial Hospital, Stephen Golledge said:

“Many members of the local community will understandably be saddened by the proposals for Dilke Memorial Hospital and I do understand this. However, the fact is that the hospital is not a suitable building for modern healthcare. Despite the positive feedback we have received from many patients about the quality of care provided, the building is reaching the end of its life span.”

“The space does not adhere to the standards expected of a 21st century hospital and maintenance costs alone are expected to be in the region of half a million pounds for the coming year.”

Lydney and District Hospital is also recognised as providing a quality service, but the costs are lower. In the interim, Lydney Hospital will provide services for as many Forest of Dean patients as possible. Others will either receive the new community based rehabilitation services or be cared for at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. 

“It is now very apparent that there really is only one path open to us to respond to the needs of Forest of Dean patients in the future.”

“Exploring options for a brand new community health facility and a continuing commitment to developing the range of services available from GP premises and in people’ own home is the only way to ensure we can provide a wide range of health and social care services that are fully used, accessible, safe for patients and financially viable.”

“We appreciate that this is an extremely difficult time for the staff who would be affected by these proposals. I am particularly keen to ensure that we support those staff who would be most directly affected. We would make every effort to relocate staff to alternative roles and would provide training and development opportunities wherever possible.”

“We would work with colleagues to develop opportunities both in expanding our community based services and also at Lydney and District Hospital and at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.”

A range of proposals for health services across the county will be discussed with the County Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday May 11. This will include discussions on arrangements for public engagement.

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Notes To Editors

Where would patients go for treatment under proposals to close Dilke Memorial Hospital?

Minor Injury and Illness Unit

A Minor Injuries and Illness Unit and Out of Hours primary care centre would still exist at the Lydney and District Hospital site. This is 8 miles away from the Dilke Memorial Hospital.

Patients would also be able to access the Out of Hours primary care centre or accident and emergency services at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

GPs also deal with a range of minor illness and injuries within surgery opening hours.

Inpatient Services

We are investing in community services to increase the availability of care and treatment for patients in the Forest of Dean.

In line with the Government’s White Paper this will result in more services being provided locally and there will be more treatment and care provided in the patient’s own home.  

Patients from across the Forest of Dean will be able to access inpatient services at Lydney and those that need a higher level of care will be treated at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

We intend to improve the management of a patient’s treatment so that they stay in hospital only for the time that they really need that level of care and can return home as quickly as possible with increased support if this is required.

Outpatient Services

The PCT is currently exploring alternative sites for outpatient services to be delivered in the Forest of Dean. Some will be able to relocate to Lydney.

Endoscopy Services

These will be provided in Lydney theatre, ensuring that this service remains locally delivered.

Day Hospital Services

Day Hospital services are currently under review. The aim is to provide services that will meet the needs of older people locally.