Orthopaedic move proposal decision is reached

The board of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board has today agreed to the proposal to move some orthopaedic operations from the West Suffolk Hospital to the new Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre (ESEOC) in Colchester.

The decision means that around 1500 (approximately 55%) of the hospital’s planned orthopaedic operations (e.g. hip, knee, foot and ankle) will be carried out each year at the new centre, set to be one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe and which will be entirely dedicated to planned orthopaedic surgery.

In reaching its decision the board members were mindful of the potential impact on local people and carefully considered the independent report produced by Healthwatch Suffolk, which analysed the feedback of more than 2200 local people, staff and stakeholders.

The report found that overall people were supportive of the plans and the potential benefits of increased capacity and speedier treatment.

Worries over transport to the new centre, the financial impact of travel and the increased vulnerability of frail patients travelling a greater distance were some of the concerns raised by those who gave feedback.

The board was clear on the importance of addressing these concerns and at its next public board meeting on September 24 will receive an update on how the local system will implement the recommendations contained within the Healthwatch Suffolk report.

Amanda Lyes, Director of Workforce, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board said: “On reaching this decision the board members have considered all the impacts of the move and believe that by agreeing to the proposal, as highlighted in the Healthwatch Suffolk report, patients will gain speedier access to treatment.

“It is important though that before implementing this proposal that we work collaboratively as a system to mitigate any concerns that have been highlighted.”

Nicola Cottington, chief operating officer for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The feedback from the extensive engagement exercise will inform how we implement these changes and make sure that our local communities have equal access to the care they need.

“This will provide patients that require planned elective care with the procedure they need more quickly in a dedicated state-of-the-art facility.

“As we have done throughout this process, we will continue working with our health and care partners in the lead up to the ESEOC opening later this year.”

Andy Yacoub, Chief Executive, Healthwatch Suffolk, and Wendy Herber Independent Chair, Healthwatch Suffolk, said: “We know that waiting for care can have massive impacts on people’s lives, in more ways than one. Therefore, it is positive that our NHS leaders and providers are working toward innovative, and much-needed solutions. Many will welcome this decision, and may benefit from the potential of reduced wait times and care from a dedicated specialist team of professionals. It is important to note that the findings from this extensive engagement have also revealed the way this change could further embed inequality into our health and care system, if the feedback from all respondents is heard, but not then actioned. 

“The NHS has led a full and successful local engagement, offering varied routes through which people could share feedback with us. This has resulted in an excellent response from people waiting for elective orthopaedic surgery and the wider public. Now, NHS leaders must make best use of what people have shared with us and consider all action possible to avoid inequality of access to this vital service in the future.

“The public have shown a keen interest, and have very clearly explained how they may be affected by this decision. Patient choice and flexibility on surgery location are critical aspects to be considered alongside the very genuine, and valid, concerns people have about being able to travel to and from this new state-of-the-art centre.”