Patients are being asked for their views as plans are developed to improve services across Sussex for people who need vascular surgery.
If you have been a patient of vascular services in the last five years and would like to help shape services in future please contact smcn.ppi@nhs.net
From April 2012, clinicians in the highly complex field of vascular surgery will work together across Sussex to provide a specialist centre in Brighton, supported by extensive local services at hospitals in Chichester, Worthing, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne and Hastings.
There is strong national clinical consensus that patients who need vascular surgery receive better quality care when they are treated by specialists who deal with a high volume of patients and who, therefore, have significant expertise in this field.
We want to hear from patients
Deborah Tomalin, Director of Sussex Managed Clinical Networks, said: “We would really value the input of more patients as we move forward with our plans.
"Clinical networks are a partnership between clinicians, patients and commissioners. We want to hear from patients about what worked best for them and where we can improve the service as we work through these changes.
“These plans are about saving lives and giving every patient the best chance of making a full recovery and resuming their normal life.
"The vast majority of patients will continue to be treated locally, as they are now, and those few people who really need the most specialised care will be taken direct to a designated centre where clinicians can deliver the care they need.
"People who have recent experience of these services can help us to get this right.”
Further information:
Vascular
Vascular surgeons specialise in treating the blood vessels of the body. (Vessels of the heart are a separate specialism.)
Patients who may need vascular surgery include those with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, when the main artery in the abdomen becomes stretched and prone to bursting; people suffering a stroke and those with poor blood supply to feet and legs.
Patients treated by other specialties including cardiology, renal services, diabetology and podiatry may also receive care from vascular surgeons. These patients have complex care needs and the best outcomes for these patients are achieved using a variety of treatments including surgery as well as interventional radiology.
Vascular surgery is currently performed in Chichester, Worthing, Brighton, Eastbourne. No vascular surgery is performed at Haywards Heath or Hastings.
Outpatient services are available on all sites.
