West Sussex NHS trust's view on the hospitals' future

There are a number of reasons why we need to review the way health services are provided in West Sussex.

We have the opportunity to provide services closer to people's homes, which traditionally have been provided in large hospitals.

Advances in technology, medical knowledge and changing expectations will lead to changes in the way hospitals are run.

For some conditions, outcomes from treatment are likely to improve if services are provided in a way which enables greater specialisation and availability of senior expertise.

And we need to ensure that we are using our resources, whether money, buildings or equipment, to the best effect.

We therefore need to develop sustainable plans for the future, informed by a process of discussion, and public consultation.

What we are currently working on '“ together with clinicians, patients and elected and nominated representatives, and others '“ are the options to take forward for full public consultation.

Recently I wrote to the local MPs as part of their regular update on Fit for the Future to inform them of discussions that had taken place with the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC).

The HOSC is a sub-committee of West Sussex County Council made up of West Sussex local councillors.

It is very important '“ and a legal duty '“ that the consultation proposals are properly examined by the joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee of West Sussex County Council and neighbouring authorities.

Some of those are unitary authorities which are being completely re-elected in May and will need a few weeks to establish their new Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees to take part in the joint one.

In order for the joint committee to operate for the full period of consultation, the HOSC asked the PCT to confirm that consultation would not begin until after the beginning of June.

We confirmed that no date has yet been set for the consultation, but that it would not be before the beginning of June. We also agreed that, the consultation will be extended to 17 weeks.

I confirmed to MPs that, as soon as we have agreed a date, we will publicise it widely.

I would also like to respond to some of the points made in your article, and a letter on this same issue in your March 29 edition.

The question is raised as to whether the PCT will consult on only one option.

The answer is no, we will consult on those options which are assessed as being clinically sustainable, financially sustainable and also deliverable.

Picking up on Tom Wye's quote "Has the delay been caused by the 'media instructions' to dress up closures and cuts as reconfiguring?", the answer is no.

The Strategic Health Authority and former PCTs in good faith expected that consultation would begin in autumn, 2006 '“ but when the new PCT was established we felt we needed more time to work with local clinicians and engage stakeholders, seeking their views and expertise in developing plans to deliver local health services in the future.

The PCT is committed to involving local people in planning changes to local health services and will continue to engage and consult with them throughout this process.

Referring to C J Wadey's letter, with particular reference to the paragraph 'If a decision is going to be made, why will we have to wait until well into 2008 before we are told what that decision is'.

I have already outlined our legal duty to consult with the HOSC and our commitment to involve local people.

It is right that we do this to ensure that we have undertaken a full consultation process.

However, this also creates a process which does take time.

At the end of the consultation period (which as outlined above will be 17 weeks), an independent analyst will provide the PCT with a report on the comments received throughout the consultation process.

We anticipate receiving the report, at a public Board meeting, approximately six to eight weeks after the end of the consultation.

At this meeting the PCT Board will make a recommendation on the future of local health services, but will not make a final decision.

This recommendation will be put to the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Following the above meeting, the joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee will respond formally to the PCT.

The Board of the PCT will meet again to take into account the response from the joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and will then make a final decision.

As can be seen above, the length of time it takes from the start of the consultation period until the PCT Board makes a decision is just over six months.

I appreciate that this process, and not having a start date for the consultation, prolongs uncertainty for local people and also for NHS staff.

However, the PCT is committed to undertaking an open and full consultation and ensuring that all those who wish to are able to respond as part of the consultation process.

I will let you know as soon as a consultation start date has been agreed.

John Wilderspin

Chief Executive

Primary Care Trust