Patient information sessions about the future of Level 3 intensive care at Furness General Hospital (FGH) are due to start next month.
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) have committed to an additional programme of engagement with the public before a decision is made about whether the temporary suspension of the service will be made permanent.
To ensure as many people as possible can attend, there will be a mixture of face-to-face sessions at venues in the South Cumbria area and some over Microsoft Teams during an eight-week period.
The confirmed list of information sessions:
- Wednesday 8 October (6pm-7.30pm) - Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Road, Barrow
- Friday 10 October (2pm-3.30pm) - Millom Community Hub
- Thursday 16 October (6pm-7.30pm) - Virtual session (Microsoft Teams)
- Wednesday 22 October (10am-11.30am) - Coronation Hall, Ulverston
- Thursday 30 October (6pm-7.30pm) - Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Road, Barrow
Professor Andy Knox, medical director at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, said: “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised about what it could mean for patients if the suspension of Level 3 intensive care at FGH is made permanent so we have arranged these engagement sessions, to give people the chance to come and talk to us.
“We want to reassure our local population that patient safety is our topmost priority and your concerns and views do matter to us.
“The sessions will enable us to discuss the recommendations we have received from the Clinical Senate and how we have considered the options available to us. It is important to remind people that no formal decision has yet been made.
“We also have to take into account that with so few people needing extended Level 3 care, it is not possible for our clinical teams to maintain their clinical competencies to a level that would provide safe care, and we want the people of South Cumbria to have the safest and best care available. This is what they deserve.
“Introducing this additional programme of engagement has shifted our timeline and we will keep everyone updated on next steps.
“We encourage those who have any questions or concerns to come along, and we’ll provide the most up-to-date information we have.”
The sessions will focus on sharing information about the current situation, reducing any misinformation, discussing the issues and challenges and reassuring people about the safety of services.
Helen Skinner, chief medical officer, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are committed to engaging with as many members of the community as possible to understand and address their concerns regarding this issue.
“We recognise the significant worry it has caused and welcome the opportunity to discuss these matters openly. We strongly encourage anyone with views or questions to come forward and speak with us."
Earlier this year, the local NHS, announced that the temporary closure of Level 3 intensive care could be made permanent after an independent review by clinical experts recommended this was the best option for patient safety.
While the temporary change has been in place, patients who require Level 3 critical 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-in-Furness.
The current timescales include this month for consideration at the Westmorland and Furness Health and Adults Scrutiny Committee and then the ICB will confirm next steps once the patient engagement has concluded and been reviewed in November.
For up-to-date information and to register for a place at the events, please visit - LSC Integrated Care Board :Furness General Hospital critical care service.