Tenbury Hospital bosses pledge to restart operations (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Tenbury Hospital bosses pledge to restart operations

8:00am Thursday 1st November 2012 in Tenbury Wells

HEALTH chiefs are pledging to start operations at Tenbury Hospital but there’s no timetable for reopening the theatre yet.

As reported in the Advertiser, pictured, surgery was suspended in May because of safety concerns.

Bosses stressed no one had been put at risk but said the small number of operations meant clinicians weren’t getting enough practice.

Another reason given for the suspension was the quality of some equipment.

A statement in May said: “Concerns were raised by clinicians from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

“An audit had revealed inconsistency between the standard of the equipment available to them compared to that which was available at other sites across Worcestershire, and they were worried about their ability to provide appropriate support to the on-site GP anaesthetist.

“The low levels of surgical activity at the hospital also led to some concern about the on-going efficiency of the service.

“South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group will now work closely with Tenbury Community Hospital’s League of Friends, the Acute Trust and local clinicians to develop a list of alternative procedures that could be more safely undertaken at the hospital.”

Patients previously treated at Tenbury have had to make the journey to other hospitals such as Kidderminster for surgery.

In the past Tenbury has offered minor surgery including some gynaecological procedures involving general anaesthetic.

The original intention was for a review in July but the matter has dragged on.

Now health chiefs have reaffirmed they intend to reintroduce surgery but it has not been determined when, or what treatment will be provided.

“Following the temporary suspension of surgical activity at Tenbury Community Hospital, discussions are currently taking place with both Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust about alternative procedures that could be provided,” said a spokesman for NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group.

“NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group would like to make the most of the theatre facility at the hospital, and is working with clinicians to identify the best operations available."