Statement by East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust

We wish to make it clear that in the recent BBC interview with Dr David Scott, the Trust's Medical Director, he did not intend to give the impression that the Trust had made the decision
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Dec 2006, 15:57 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:34 BST

to single site obstetric services.

The obstetric consultants in the Trust have been discussing, for some time, the future of the obstetric service in the light of a number of changes which will affect its viability, such as training of junior doctors, the European Working Time Directive and difficulties in staffing both the labour wards and special care baby units.

Dr Scott was relaying the views of the clinicians and the Trust's Clinical Management Board that the Clinical Management Board had decided that the Trust should single site obstetrics in the interest of maintaining patient safety.

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We would like to make it clear that this decision has not been ratified by the Trust Board and that the final decision regarding what will be a substantial change in health services will be made after public consultation. This is being undertaken by the East Sussex Downs and Weald and Hastings and Rother primary care trusts.

East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust is fully aware of the statutory duty on all NHS organisations to consult publicly when substantial changes in services are suggested. We understand the East Sussex Downs and Weald and Hastings and Rother primary care trusts will be undertaking a public consultation in the New Year regarding the future of obstetric and other services currently provided by this Trust.

Dr Scott regrets any misunderstanding that might have arisen from the interview.

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