A series of drop-in sessions will be taking place next month, where local residents can share their thoughts on the future of Level 3 care at Furness General Hospital (FGH) intensive care unit.
Members of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) communications and engagement team will be available on three dates to ensure all your questions and comments are noted. These are:
- Cavendish House, 78 Duke Street, Barrow, on Friday 7 November, 2pm-4pm
- Lonsdale Grill, Level 3 FGH, on Wednesday 12 November, 2pm-4pm
- Cavendish House on Friday 14 November, 2pm-4pm
The ICB and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust took the decision to suspend Level 3 critical care services at FGH last September due to issues with recruiting qualified and experienced staff, with only three permanent consultants in post against a national guidance requirement of eight.
Whilst the temporary change has been in place, patients who require Level 3 care are transferred to Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), once stabilised. Patients who require Levels 1 and 2 critical care continue to be treated and cared for at the hospital in Barrow.
The ICB’s medical director, Professor Andy Knox, said: “We have already had some really engaging public sessions over the past month, and have heard from hundreds of local residents about their thoughts and concerns.
"It is important that we take onboard all views and feedback, and that is why we are meeting with people in the local community, to try and answer any questions or help them to understand the reasons behind the options under consideration.
“Everyone is welcome to these listening sessions at the hospital and at Cavendish House, which has kindly been provided by Healthwatch. You can turn up without the need to book, are an opportunity to find out the latest up-to-date information and again have your questions and comments noted.
“No decision has been taken yet, so your concerns and views are extremely important in helping to inform this decision.”
Those wishing to attend can stop by at any time during the listening sessions to speak to a member of the ICB team. No booking is necessary.
For up-to-date information, please visit - LSC Integrated Care Board :: Furness General Hospital critical care service.