Health authorities in Worcestershire have held talks with neighbouring NHS providers as part of a major review of acute services in the county, it has emerged.
HSJ can reveal University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust is one NHS provider involved in discussions on whether it could provide more services to patients in Worcestershire.
Services provided by the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust face a major review and reconfiguration. They are considered financially unsustainable in their current form.
The review is analysed in detail in an HSJ Local Briefing published today.
The trust currently has two accident and emergency departments at the Worcester Royal Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital, in Redditch. It also has a minor injuries unit and treatment centre at Kidderminster Hospital.
The trust also has warned it will not be able to meet clinical standards in futuer due to a shortage of middle-grade doctors and consultants if it maintains services in the current configuration.
NHS Worcestershire, in partnership with the acute trust and clinical commissioning groups, has a review to draw up options for reconfiguration.
The review has attracted widespread criticism and public opposition. It is expected to reveal its shortlist of options in October.
An investigation by HSJ has been told it is likely the A&E department at Kidderminster Hospital will close with high-risk surgery, and women and children’s services also being centralised at the Worcester Royal Hospital site.
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