Healthwatch statement on ULHT Recovery Plan

‘United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (ULHT) must be open and transparent in its plan to restore a number of services at a ‘COVID-free’ site in the county’, says Healthwatch Lincolnshire. 
 
As part of the Trust’s recovery plan elective surgery patients and day cases, such as chemotherapy patients from Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital and Lincoln County Hospital, will be treated at Grantham and District Hospital which is the Trust’s designated COVID-free site.  
 
Healthwatch Lincolnshire implores the Hospital Trust, NHS and Lincolnshire CCG remain transparent and clear about the rationale for these actions regarding Grantham Hospital and its other hospital sites, so that communities who access those services can make their own judgements as to what is right for the whole of our patient population.   Healthwatch recognises the concerns this news may have for the people living in Grantham, particularly with their long hard battle with regards to retaining an A&E service in the town. In our view, it is not a downgrading but an acknowledgement that Grantham Hospital has a crucial and long-lasting role to play in Lincolnshire healthcare services.  
 
We are equally mindful of the worry and concerns that cancer patients have suffered in waiting for their treatment to begin or recommence.  By moving this service to Grantham on a short-term basis away from the COVID-19 battle is beneficial to each cancer patient’s survival while enhancing, not devaluing, facilities in Grantham. 
 
ULHTs waiting lists are growing, with 15 patients a week being added to cancer operation lists, 35 a week to elective operating and thousands more each month being added to treatment waiting lists.  

It is hoped that this temporary measure ULHT have put in place for the next few months will provide a vital service for Lincolnshire people.