Councillors say vascular services move proposal could put lives at risk

Councillors have criticised plans to move vascular services to Sunderland under new proposals from NHS bosses.

Vascular care manages disorders in arteries and veins with surgery often used to reduce risk of sudden death, strokes or the risk of amputation.

As part of a strategic review, the region’s service is set to downsize to three vascular hubs in Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland.

Following a clinical review, health bosses recommended to move existing vascular services from University Hospital of North Durham to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

But while patients will still be able to access outpatient clinics, scans and day case surgery in Durham, councillors claimed the move could put patients in rural areas at risk.

Members of Durham County Council’s Special Adults, Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard an update on the scheme last week.

Clinical lead for vascular services in Durham, Philip Davey, said Sunderland was chosen over Durham for its capacity, geography and existing specialist cardiology and renal services.

Speaking at Durham County Hall, he added that a the changes would affect a relatively small number of patients – 10 a week transferring to Sunderland and two a week going to Middlesbrough.

The changes were also informed by an independent clinical review carried out by the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland in 2015.

While councillors backed the clinical case, several disputed information provided by NHS bosses around travel times.