THERE IS STILL TIME TO INFLUENCE THE DECISION, BUT THE CONSULTATION CLOSES ON THE 8TH APRIL. ALL THREE CCGS WILL MEET IN PUBLIC IN JULY TO MAKE THE FINAL DECISION, AND ALL THREE MUST AGREE ONE OPTION.
Background Information: During a 7 month period in 2013/14, across Eastbourne and Hastings, there were 4 times as many serious incidents in Obstetrics as in previous years. A serious incident is recorded when harm is caused to a patient that should have been avoidable. With 14 serious incidents over 7 months the recommendation was made by the National Clinical Advisory Team (NCAT) to move all Obstetric Consultants onto one site. Emergency Gynaecology uses the same Consultants as Obstetrics so both services had to be sited together. There were no safety concerns regarding paediatric services, but it was felt that maternity and in patient paediatrics needed to be sited together. We have asked for the reasoning behind this.
It should be mentioned that there is an "option 7" being put forward by a Campaign group, but that this is not currently under consideration by the CCGs.