The IRP, the independent expert on NHS service change, has concluded its review of contested proposals to reconfigure acute medical and cardiac admissions at Bridlington Hospital .  The IRP's report and recommendations are now with the Secretary of State for Health, Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, for consideration.

Gina Tiller, Lead Panel Member for the IRP's review, said:  “We have reviewed a considerable amount of evidence to help inform our review.  Each review we undertake is unique and it was therefore important for us to hear from a wide range of local people including patients, healthcare professionals, trade bodies and other interested parties.  The key focus throughout our review has been the quality of patient care.  We have put forward recommendations to the Health Secretary that will offer those living and working in and around Bridlington safe, sustainable and accessible healthcare services.”

The Health Secretary's request for the IRP's advice followed a referral from the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee of East Riding of Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire County Council.  The referral related to proposed changes to acute medical and cardiac admissions at Bridlington Hopsital put forward by Scarborough & North East Yorkshire NHS Trust.

The final decision on changes to services in the area will be made by the Health Secretary, once he has had time to consider the IRP's recommendations.  The IRP expects to publish the full report on its website in early September.

ENDS

For further information please contact the IRP press office on 020 7025 7530 or email [email protected]                                             

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1.       The full name of the IRP is the Independent Reconfiguration Panel

2.       The IRP was set up in 2003 to provide advice to the Secretary of State for Health on contested proposals for health service change in England

3.       Under section 244 of the NHS Act 2006 NHS organisations must consult their local authority Overview and Scrutiny Committees on any proposals for substantial changes to local health services. Under section 242 of the NHS Act 2006 NHS organisations must undertake appropriate public engagement. The OSC may refer the proposals to the Secretary of State under regulation 4(7) of the Local Authority (Overview and Scrutiny Committee Health Scrutiny Functions) Regulations 2002

4.       IRP panel members have wide ranging expertise in clinical healthcare, NHS management, public and patient involvement and handling and delivering successful changes in the NHS

5.       Further information, including details of all panel members, is available from www.irpanel.org.uk