NHS plan for hospital shake-up
PATIENTS have given a mixed reaction to plans to transfer key services out of a “deteriorating” hospital in Cardiff.
Cardiff and Vale University Hospital Board is proposing to transfer day hospital services, including elderly care assessments, out of Rookwood Hospital to Llandough’s Day Hospital before winter.
The proposals have been put forward by NHS chiefs due to concerns over patient and staff safety and issues with providing hot water and heating, and the building is deteriorating, a health board report has said.
Some patients are loyal to the Rookwood Hospital, but the site is not fit for purpose, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Community Health Council (CHC)’s Executive Committee heard on Thursday.
More than a dozen patients responding to a survey about the changes said they were against moving the services to Llandough from Rookwood – which one described as “the jewel in the crown of NHS service.”
Another said they “would prefer Rookwood. Being an inpatient at Llandough, journeys were a nightmare. Parking at other hospitals – terrible”.
“Wouldn’t be happy, dreadful,” said another patient. “Would think twice about going.”
Other patients responding to the survey in October said they were open to Rookwood’s services moving, but said St David’s Hospital in Canton would be a better location.
Some patients have supported the move. One said: “Have been to Llandough – quite accessible, I have been by bus. Location isn’t important, it’s about the service and the staff, not where.”
A total of 52 patients responded to the survey on October 24.
Richard Evans, clinical board director of the health board, told the meeting: “Whenever you make a service change it’s always challenging. There’s a huge amount of staff and patient loyalty to the Rookwood site.
“It has become apparent that the fabric of the building is not of the level where there’s a reasonable expectation of continually patching it up.
“It’s become apparent that we have got quite a lot of capacity at Llandough.”
He added the key thing was “providing that service in a sustainable location that maintains that good service”.
Jill Shelton, chairwoman of the committee, added: “No one is questioning the quality of the service. It’s just a question of where (it’s provided).”
But the executive committee urged the health board to engage further with patients about the proposal before the CHC gives its support.