A Cumbrian MP said she had gained assurances from NHS that no formal decision has yet been taken to change the way emergency care is provided at Barrow’s Furness General Hospital.
Michelle Scrogham, who represents Barrow and Furness, said proposals by NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB to close Level 3 care at the hospital had arisen in almost every conversation she had had because ‘these plans have such big implications for other services at our hospital and the development plans for our area’.
Last month, the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board said the highest level of critical care would not return to Furness General Hospital in Barrow.
It had been suspended since September due to recruitment issues.
The three levels of adult intensive care are defined by the intensity of organ support and monitoring required.
Level 1 is for patients at risk of their condition deteriorating, requiring additional support and monitoring on a regular ward.
Level 2, also known as high dependency, provides support for a single failing organ system or post-operative care.
Level 3, the most intensive level, involves support for two or more failing organ systems, including mechanical ventilation.
While the temporary change has been in place, patients who required Level 3 critical care were transferred to Royal Lancaster Infirmary, once stabilised.
Patients who needed levels 1 and 2 critical care continued to be treated and cared for at the hospital in Barrow.
Posting on Facebook over the weekend the MP said: “I am pleased to say that the Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB have now at least confirmed the decision-making process – with the decision going before the Westmorland and Furness health and adults scrutiny committee in Barrow on September 24 and a final decision being made at the ICB’s formal governance meeting in October, which does not seem to be a public meeting.
“They have promised that no formal decision has been made and they are looking to undertake further engagement before they make any decision. I am seeking further clarification on what form that engagement will take.”
Cumbria Crack has spoken to a consultant, who voiced his concern at the way the changes were being introduced and the impact they could have.
Mrs Scrogham added: “The ICB’s case is full of holes and I am making sure everything possible is being done to block these proposals and get a proper plan in place to reinstate level 3 critical care as soon as possible.”
