'No decisions yet say NHS bosses' after petition over concerns to relocate cardiology services
Three South Devon Lib Dem MPs have issued a joint statement and started a petition
Torbay's NHS say no decision has yet been made as a petition is launched to relcoate out-of-hours cardiology services at Exeter - away from Torbay and South Devon.
A Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: "We recognise and appreciate the strength of clinical concern from our cardiology leads against this proposed test of change.
"We are committed to working together with our cardiology clinical leads to ensure our decision-making is based on clinical evidence and that our governance processes are as robust as possible.At present no decision has been made by our Board of Directors on this proposed test of change."
Steve Darling, Member of Parliament for Torbay, has voiced what he says are 'serious concerns' regarding the proposed temporary co-location of the out-of-hours Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) services at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
Steve is seeking a 'formal briefing and supporting data to better understand the rationale behind the decision, specifically the evidence demonstrating improved access, equity, and sustainability of services'.
The MP also requests the full terms and conditions of the proposed trial once finalised, and assurance that services will remain at Torbay and South Devon if the pilot proves unsuccessful in enhancing patient outcomes and experience.
"I am deeply concerned about these proposed changes and the potential impact on my constituents," said Steve.
“It is crucial that any changes to vital services such as PPCI are based on robust evidence and have the full support of the local medical community. I am seeking an urgent briefing to gain a clearer understanding of the reasoning behind this decision and to ensure that patient care remains the top priority.”
"Unless it can be demonstrated to me that these plans won't put patient safety at risk, then the plans should be halted."
South Devon MP, Caroline Voaden said: “I have serious concerns about what these proposed changes mean for those living in harder to reach areas like Dartmouth. With any cardiac episode, time is everything. You have only one hour until your heart muscle is irreversibly damaged. Given it already takes 50 minutes to get to Torbay, the consequences of having to drive an extra half hour or so to Exeter could be critical.
“While this change remains a proposal, with key details still being ironed out and a trial set to commence in March, I’ll be seeking assurances from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust that these new measures have the total support of the local medical community and do not in any away negatively impact patient care.”
Martin Wrigley, Lib Dem MP for Newton Abbot added: “It is deeply alarming that Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust are proposing to move this essential service to Exeter. There is evidence that shows quick interventions are crucial when patients are suffering an acute blocked artery, and the longer treatment is delayed, the more heart muscle can be lost. It is short-sighted to move this service away from Torbay, as it will increase the journey time to hospital for a large proportion of my constituents.”
The petition can be found here