Proposed changes to adult services across Solihull, Good Hope and Heartlands Hospitals
Survey conducted by Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust is considering reorganising some of its adult services across Solihull, Good Hope and Heartlands hospitals to improve outcomes and reduce waiting times for patients.
The specific services that the Trust would like to make changes to are trauma and orthopaedics, and gynaecology services.
The proposed changes are not about removing any services or saving money; the Trust is investing £2.5m in its estate to provide high-quality, dedicated facilities, which will support the creation of centres of excellence for the different specialties.
The proposals mainly apply to surgical procedures only (operations) and may mean that patients may need to attend a hospital which is not their local hospital, for their operation. However, while some people may have to travel further for certain treatments, the vast majority would continue to be treated at their local hospital.
It is estimated the proposed changes would affect around 10 patients a day. To put this in perspective, the hospitals see around 1,200 A&E attendances, more than 5,000 outpatients and 500 day case procedures a day.
There would be no proposed changes to where pre- and post-operative outpatient, X-ray, scans and therapy (e.g. physiotherapy) appointments take place – they would still take place at the patient’s local hospital. There will be no changes to children’s services.
The planned reorganisation is supported by a significant number of specialist clinicians (e.g. doctors and nurses) who see these proposals as the best and most sustainable way to deliver care to residents of Birmingham, Solihull and South Staffordshire.
For more information about the proposed changes, please visit: www.uhb.nhs.uk/service-change
We’ll also be holding two drop-in events on 5 August (Good Hope Hospital) and 6 August (Solihull Hospital) where you can find out more about these proposed changes.
You can book your place here for the Good Hope session and here for the Solihull one.
About obstetrics and gynaecology
Our aim is to provide safe and effective care for women who need Obstetric and Gynaecology support, care and treatment throughout the childbearing years and beyond.
The unit aims at continuous improvement and adaptation to achieve the best possible outcomes for women and babies entrusted to our care.
The Gynaecology department provides a wide range of services on each hospital site. This includes outpatient and inpatient facilities and the provision of emergency services. Services include Colposcopy, Urodynamics, Early Pregnancy Assessment and General Gynaecology.
Good Hope
We are here to provide a service for the treatment of gynaecological problems. The service includes assessment by Consultant, Clinical Nurse specialist, or a member of the medical team. The service also includes follow-up support for women following diagnosis and management.
The Gynaecology department aims to provide prompt and effective diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological problems.
We aim to treat every woman in our care, their partners and relatives with sensitivity and compassion, using professional expertise to provide a high standard of individualised physical and psychological care.
We aim to maintain confidentiality, privacy and dignity at all times.
Your GP has referred you to the Gynaecology Outpatient Department which includes a team of doctors and a clinical nurse specialists. This referral does not mean that your consultant will automatically see you.
The Consultant does, however, review all of the notes and then delegates each patient to an appropriate member of the specialist team, and is able to advice as necessary. By using this system we are able to offer you an early hospital appointment and aim to reduce your waiting time at the clinic. Requesting to see the consultant may results in long delays.
What happens at the Clinic?
During the consultation, you will be asked some medical questions. It is very important for you to give accurate information. If in doubt ask for clarification and please feel free to bring someone along with you.
A gynaecological appointment always involves an internal examination. If you have a period and do not wish to be examined it may be advisable for rearrange the appointment.
Following the examination, the doctor will discuss the options available to you and will answer any questions that you may have. It is essential for you to fully understand the options offered to you so please ask if you do not understand.
Menstrual Diary
- Simply keep a day-to-day diary of when you start and finish your period
- How many days your period lasts
- If and when you have any pain or any other symptoms
Results
Following your appointment at the clinic, any tests results (blood, swabs, urine, biopsy or smear) will be sent to your GP (this may take up to two weeks). We will only write to you if any treatment is needed, and your GP will prescribe any necessary treatment.
If we have arranged for you to have a routine scan, this appointment may not be for several months. We may give you an appointment to return with the result of the scan, or suspend your next appointment until after you have had your scan. We will send you an appointment when we have the results.
It is important to remember that we need two weeks from the day you have your scan done, to your Clinic appointment, this ensures that all results are available, in order to assist us to plan your care.
If your scan is done less than one week before your appointment please contact us rearrange your appointment.This will ensure that you have only necessary visits to the hospital.
Please call us on 0121 378 2211 extension 1963 or 1964 if you have not had an appointment sent to you one month after your tests have been done.
Our Facilities
The Obstetric and Gynaecology Unit values the importance of teamwork. Consultants, Doctors, Nurses, Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Clerical and support staff, work together to ensure you receive the best possible care.
