Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones has responded to a public consultation launched recently by The Arden Cluster (NHS Coventry & NHS Warwickshire) about children’s services at the George Eliot Hospital.
 
The consultation will run until 6th August 2012 and puts forward one proposal for consideration by the public. The proposal involves the transfer of inpatient paediatrics from George Eliot Hospital to University Hospital (UHCW) in Coventry.  A new short-stay paediatric assessment unit is proposed to be established at George Eliot Hospital, open between 8am and 10pm.

There are no changes proposed to maternity services or to the Special Care Baby Unit at George Eliot Hospital. Marcus has given his support to the decision to retain most of the service provision for children at the Eliot.

However in his response to the consultation, Marcus has also raised several concerns in an effort to gain assurances about the potential transfer of inpatient paediatric services. The MP has requested further detail about how the extra capacity at UHCW can be met for children who need to be admitted as inpatients. In addition, he has raised concerns about the handover of the transfer of the inpatient service and the steps that might be taken to ensure effective service continuity.

Commenting about the possible implications, Marcus said: “I am remain committed in my support for the option that is in the consultation, although I do believe that there are several questions that need to be answered over the transfer of in-patient paediatric provision from the George Eliot to the University Hospital in Coventry.

“I remain concerned about the likely closure of the Caterina Ward. We must acknowledge that the professionals are saying that in-patient paediatrics cannot continue to be provided at the hospital, yet we must be absolutely certain that there is sufficient capacity elsewhere for children to use these services.

“It is absolutely vital that members of the public respond to the consultation and I would strongly encourage them to do so.”

The consultation document and supporting documentation can be found at: www.warwickshire.nhs.uk/consultations

Members of the public can respond to the consultation by emailing [email protected] or by writing to: Communications Team, Arden Cluster, Westgate House, Market Street, Warwick, CV34 4DE.