Worcestershire launches service review

The main focus of the review will be on acute hospital services but it will also look at the wider health and care system, particularly in relation to specific pathways of care between the acute hospitals and community and primary care.

The county’s NHS organisations – NHS Worcestershire, the three clinical commissioning groups, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust – are at the very start of the process and there are no predetermined answers. However, there is agreement that ‘no change’ is not an option.

The approach will be to look for improvement and ensure sustainability.

Local clinicians will lead the “Joint Services Review” and propose options for service configuration. The review process will involve patients, professionals, public and partners. The JSR aims to identify, assess and then consult on options for improvement over the next 11 months.

It is anticipated that the review will be completed by November 2012, including a three month period of formal public consultation.

A series of public meetings are currently being arranged throughout February to give patients and the public the opportunity to find out more about the review and how they can have their say.

More information is available at www.worcestershirehealth.nhs.uk/joint-services-review.aspx