Worcestershire health bosses delay hospital decision (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Worcestershire health bosses delay hospital decision

8:54pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News By William Tomaney

HEALTH bosses have delayed releasing a shortlist of more detailed options for the future of Worcestershire’s hospital services, saying more work needs to be done.

NHS joint services review leaders met this afternoon and were due to cut down the current list of six models – two of which threaten Kidderminster Hospital with further downgrading or closure.

All of the work to date including public feedback and advice of senior clinicians – doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals – was discussed.

An NHS statement said: “Significant progress was made and leaders agreed more information was needed on some complex issues.

“Some of the published models include the possibility of certain services at one or more hospitals being delivered in alternative ways.

“The joint services review wants to look more closely at the potential implications and consequences of these alternative arrangements.”

NHS Worcestershire chief executive, Eamonn Kelly, said: “It is so important that we get this right for local people.

“Good progress is being made. We remain committed to finding the best possible combination of high quality, safe, accessible, sustainable and affordable services.

“This will have implications for our timetable but we have said all along that rather than sticking to a rigid plan we would be flexible.”

What do you think of the decision to delay releasing the shortlist? Leave a comment below, search for "The Kidderminster Shuttle" on facebook or tweet us @ksshuttle.