NHS Funded Treatment Scheme for Cirencester

11/06/2008

Gloucestershire PCT has today welcomed a Department of Health announcement giving the go ahead for an NHS Treatment Centre in the county.

The Department of Health has confirmed that UK Specialist Hospitals (UKSH) will carry out a range of routine, planned operations at Cirencester Hospital from Autumn 2009 and detailed discussions can now begin between the PCT and UKSH on the range of services to be provided.

The scheme aims to offer faster treatment and greater choice for patients on where they are treated.

The PCT said today that it was determined to get the best possible deal for Cirencester Hospital and local patients following news of the go ahead.

Chief Executive of Gloucestershire PCT, Jan Stubbings said:

“Gloucestershire PCT recognises the special contribution that Cirencester Hospital makes in the provision of local healthcare to local people and is committed to working in partnership to make sure that this continues and services develop.”

The scheme involving Cirencester Hospital is part of a contract that has been negotiated nationally between the Department of Health and the preferred bidder, UKSH (UK Specialist Hospitals), a leading provider of surgical services.

Chair of the PCT’s Professional Executive Committee and Tetbury GP, Dr Tony Walsh said:

“This announcement helps to make the position clearer and we can now sit down with our partners and plan the range of services that can be provided in the local area for the benefit of our patients.”

UKSH will provide a range of NHS funded surgery at Cirencester Hospital and associated outpatient clinics.

It is anticipated that the agreement will lead to a substantial increase in the number of patients who will be able to access day case surgery at the hospital.

Facilities will continue to be available for patients who need to stay in overnight or longer for clinical reasons.

There are no planned changes to inpatient services for medical patients who are not coming in for an operation e.g. patients receiving rehabilitation care after a fall, stroke or hip replacement.

Emergency patients will continue to be treated at Cirencester Hospital as they are now and there are no planned changes to the Minor Injury Unit and Primary Care Centre.

The contract includes provision for additional funding to upgrade equipment in the theatre suite and help redevelop part of Beeches Ward to create a dedicated outpatient, pre and post admission and theatre facility.

Jan Stubbings added:

“As the commissioner of services, the PCT will work with other local health service providers, including GPs and the Hospitals Trust and community partners to ensure that local patients have the best possible access to services to meet their needs.”

“Our first priority will be to support our staff through these changes. We will want to explore the options available for those staff who will directly support the new services, including possible secondment to UKSH. We will also work with staff to explore training and development opportunities as required.”