Consultations begin into healthcare proposals for South Tyneside and Sunderland

A public consultation begins today (Wednesday 5th July 2017) which could see major changes in the way some hospital services are delivered to people on South Tyneside and in Sunderland.

The proposals focus on the following areas:

• Stroke services

• Maternity and gynaecology

• Urgent and emergency paediatric care

In the case of stroke treatment, three options have been put forward. In each case, initial - or 'hyperacute' - care would take place in Sunderland, though some options would allow for people on South Tyneside to return to their local hospital at later stages in their treatment.

In the case of maternity services, two options have been put forward, which would both see consultant-led maternity services focused on Sunderland.

Neither option proposes the retention of South Tyneside's special care baby unit.

The NHS says planned changes to services are essential to prevent what it calls a 'crisis' in the delivery of care. It says a difficulty in recruiting some specialist staff is a key reason for putting forward these options, which are entitled Path to Excellence.

The Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign group says it fears the consultation document threatens to permanently close what it calls 'vital services'. The group argues the proposed changes would force South Tyneside residents to travel to Sunderland, or elsewhere, for some treatments.

A series of public consultation events will be held between now and the middle of September, with the deadline for feedback on Sunday 15th October 2017.

More details on the consultation exercise can be found at:www.pathtoexcellence.org.uk