December 2008

The issue of babies and beds is never more topical than at this time of year.  Here in North Tyneside concern has continued about the effect of reorganising maternity services and, more recently, the moving of special care beds from Rake Lane Hospital to Wansbeck. 

That decision followed the concentration of consultant led services at Wansbeck and the development of a midwifery led unit at North Tyneside.  When the consultants moved, the special care beds followed.

The birth of a baby is a special memory for every parent.  But if there are complications it can be traumatic.  That’s why how good the treatment is, and where it’s provided, is so important.

The issue has rumbled on for months.  I have discussed it with Northumbria Healthcare Trust at probably every meeting we have.  But now an opportunity has arisen which I believe we should seize. 

The Trust is looking to develop a new £60 million critical care unit on the edge of North Tyneside.  It will provide care for blue light cases such as stroke, heart attack and serious accidents.  The unit will provide critical care with patients returning to Rake Lane or Wansbeck to receive nursing after care.

I have asked the Trust to consider basing the special care maternity beds at the new unit.  Closer than at present and where the specialist clinicians and resources are concentrated.  The Trust has agreed to look at my plan.

Change is always unnerving in the NHS, with never ending pressure to improve standards.  The added worry is that if we fail to address the issues with innovative solutions like the critical care unit we may wake up one day and find all the specialist facilities concentrated in Newcastle.

Delivering the best services locally is a real challenge but I believe my plan offers the best way forward for mothers and babies.