FOLLOWING the announcement of a review into the colorectal services at the trust, Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust would like to clarify the details printed in last week’s Hunts Post.
After discussions with leading representatives of our local GPs, NHS Cambridgeshire and NHS East of England, the trust has launched an independent external review of the provision of colorectal services at our hospital, and will follow the recommendations of the review when it is completed.
As a precautionary measure, while the review takes place we have made arrangements to work closely with Addenbrooke’s Hospital, part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to ensure that we are able to continue providing local services to our patients, as far as possible, from our hospital site.
To clarify, the hospital will transfer some complex colorectal surgery to Addenbrooke’s. However all other surgeries will continue at Hinchingbrooke, including emergency surgery.
This means that the majority of patients will continue to receive their care locally here at the hospital. We will discuss any changes to this directly with patients affected and we will ensure that should their treatment need to take place elsewhere that a clear treatment plan is agreed with them.
The trust has now launched the independent external review, which we are expecting to take three to four months to complete before we receive the report.
We would like to reassure our patients that safety and the highest standard of care is and always will be our top priority, and we will do everything possible to ensure that this is achieved.
If patients have any reason to be concerned about their treatment in this service, they should contact either their GP or the hospital on the following helpline number 01480 847530 between the hours of 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
NIGEL BEVERLEY
Chief executive
Dr RICHARD DICKINSON
Medical director
Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust
Editor’s note: Hinchingbrooke Hospital was asked to provide these details last week, but failed to take the opportunity.
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