CONFUSION: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit could still be forced to close...

As revealed by the Lancashire Telegraph last month, the unit is one of seven specialised services at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT)being examined by commissioners, which could potentially lead to some services being closed.

There was confusion this week after Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle said on Twitter: “I met the new Chief Executive of East Lancashire NHS Trust who assured me there are no plans to close down Burnley neonatal unit.”

The decision over the unit’s future will lie with NHS England, rather than ELHT.

And although there are no current proposals to close it, or any of the seven services, the regional review by NHS England is likely to consider closures in some areas, which could leave East Lancashire competing with other health economies such as Preston or Manchester to keep their services.

The seven services, which also include pancreatic cancer and severe asthma care, are delivered as part of a £25 million specialist care budget and their removal would have serious implications for the hospitals’ future success.

The others at risk are HIV, complex vascular surgery, hepatobiliary (liver) and pancreatic care and complex disability services.

NHS England has said in a statement: “There are currently no clinical safety concerns regarding these services.

“And no decisions have been made regarding whether they move from East Lancashire trust or are delivered differently as the work in these areas has not yet been completed.

“Issues such as accessibility and travel times for patients and carers are very important and these will certainly be taken into account as part of the strategic service reviews that are undertaken.”

“NHS England is responsible for commissioning specialised services and places a high priority on driving improvements in service quality and outcomes.

“This ensures that all patients receive high quality care, no matter where they live.”