| andover hospital |
| The issue: |
Dear Sir George,
I had a follow up appointment last week regarding an operation I had in Andover War Memorial Hospital in January. I found that the 2nd operation will have to take place in Winchester as Andover has apparently lost the contract. The surgeon who told me this seemed extremely annoyed and blamed 'the government' in no uncertain terms. I was also not pleased when I expressed this the surgeon suggested that I write to my MP and Tony Blair which I am doing.
I have had two operations in Andover performed by the same surgeon, Miss Paramanathian. The staff of the day ward were all extremely welcoming and professional and, incidentally, praised the surgeon who has always done a very good job. For this team to have had their work removed to another hospital seems ludicrous beyond belief.
For many people there will be problems in getting to and from Winchester, possibly necessitating ammbulance trips for some - an added expense for whoever has to pay for the ambulance service.
The population of Andover must have increased of late years because of all the new houses being built so why on earth is the day hospital service being removed?
Yours sincerely
Giulia Khawaja |
| Date Issue Raised: |
07 May 2006 |
| My response: |
Thank you for the email, raising the sensitive subject of the balance between Andover and Winchester Hospitals for the provision of NHS services.
Last year, the Primary Care Trust published a consultation document, which proposed that operations involving general anaesthetic should no longer be carried out at Andover. The reason given was that, if anything went wrong, the back up services at Winchester were better and that patient safety was paramount. However, there was no suggestion that operations under local anaesthetic would also transfer (which I assume is what you are scheduled to have)
At the time, I made a number of statements about the consultation document which are on my website. I feel strongly that the “centre of gravity” should shift from Winchester to Andover.
The point you make about travel to Winchester is a powerful one. I will make some inquiries about the issue you raise and let you know how I get on.
Best wishes, George Young
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Sir George Young Bt MP: Constituency and Parliamentary Website