Issue - items at meetings - BSUH Reconfiguration of Clinical Services

Report from Simon Maurice, Programme Director for Major Trauma, BSUH

118           Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals Trust (BSUH): Reconfiguration of Clinical Services

118.1    This item was presented by Nikki Luffingham, BSUH Chief Operating Officer, and by Simon Maurice, BSUH Programme Director for Major Trauma.

118.2    Ms Luffingham explained to members that the trust intended to reconfigure urology and neck of femur (NOF) services. These services are currently spilt between the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton (RSCH) and the Princess Royal Hospital, Hayward’s Heath (PRH) sites, and the intention is to re-focus provision at PRH, improving patient experience, reducing average length of stay and freeing up space at RSCH to allow for the relocation of neurosurgery from Hurstwood Park.

118.3    In answer to questions regarding the links between this initiative and the 3T project, Mr Maurice told members that this was independent of 3T and was driven by national service specifications rather than by the exigencies of the 3T project. However the plans are compatible with 3T planning.

118.4    In response to questions about visitor travel, Ms Luffingham told the committee that, whilst some outpatient urology clinics would be maintained at RSCH, all in-patient and the bulk of outpatient services would be transferred to PRH. This would mean increased travel times for some patients and their families/carers, although this was expected to be mitigated by reductions in the average length of stay (for NOF patients in particular the current two-site arrangements are sub-optimal and may typically increase average length of stay by a day or more). The 40X bus service remains in operation, and is free to use for patients and visitors. Where the 40X is not a realistic option for patients the trust will explore other transport options, including ambulance transport.

118.5    The Chair summed up, noting that the committee supported the basic principle of BSUH operating ‘one hospital on two sites’ and understood that this might mean that some services for Brighton & Hove residents would be provided at Hayward’s Heath, particularly if single-site services delivered better results in terms of clinical quality and patient experience. However, access was a key issue, and one that the HWOSC should regularly monitor: it is important that Brighton & Hove residents required to use the PRH (and their families/carers) can cheaply and conveniently travel to the hospital.

118.6    RESOLVED – that the information on service reconfiguration provided by BSUH be noted.