THE future of services at Scarborough Hospital is in doubt, according to its chief executive. Iain McInnes, interim chief executive of Scarborough Health Trust, said NHS moves to treat patients at home could lead to primary care trust talks about reducing the number of district general hospitals.
He said: “Within the next few years I think there will be a debate within the PCT about the need for two or three district general hospitals in North Yorkshire.”
Speaking at a trust board meeting, Mr McInnes told colleagues the shift in emphasis to treating fewer patients at hospitals could result in a reduction in the number of hospital facilities and it would be a “difficult debate” for people to have.
He added: “There's a significant move to provide as much care as possible close to where people live. This includes having some care provided in people's homes, not just the traditional range of care provided by district nurses and health visitors, but also other services that will help people stay out of hospital.
“Other procedures that would previously have meant a stay in hospital can now be done in the GPs' surgery, which is a trend that's set to increase.”
Mr McInnes said advances in specialist care in larger hospitals would also see more patients being treated in places like Hull or Leeds.
“The effect of this increasing specialisation is that small district general hospitals such as Scarborough may simply not see enough of certain conditions to be able to provide the right level of expertise.
“This has already changed some cancer treatments locally. We are an accredited cancer ‘unit', but we work under the auspices of our local cancer centre in Hull.
“The days of going into hospital several days before an operation, followed by a long stay for recovery and convalescence, have long gone.
“Many operations are performed as day surgery, with the patient returning home soon after the procedure, others involve only very short stays.
“As a consequence, the demand on beds falls, and fewer beds are needed. So a reduction in hospital bed numbers.”
However, Leo McGrory, chairman of the local health watchdog which monitors the work of the trust, says clarification is needed about Mr McInnes' re- marks.
He said: “I do not agree with Mr McInnes' analysis about the number of beds which will be needed in future. As the population lives longer it is likely that more beds will be needed for older people who have developed illnesses which will need treating in a hospital.”
Mick Pilling (writes) Chairman Save Bridlington Hospital Campaign Action Group
As the Scarborough NHS Healthcare Trust runs Bridlington & District Hospital; how will this affect the people of Bridlington & surrounding areas; we have already seen what proposals have been planned for Bridlington hospital in the latest Consultation Document; reduction in services; over-night closure of MIU; the possible withdrawl of the Maternity Unit; possible transfer of Cardiac Monitoring Unit and Sergical Services; possible closure of Wards Thornton & Kent; the closure of the Pain Clinic; closure of Eye clinic due to lack of finance. Now we have talk of the closure and removal of Waters ward & Buckrose wards (Mental Health) by other PCT's When these so called Trusts and PCT's have finished ripping the heart of Bridlington & District Hospital; please let the people and patients know.
The Undertakers through-out East & North Yorkshire must be rubbing the hands; the proposal made are likely to see many people having short lives.
Mick Pilling
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