NHS Greater Manchester: Adult Cardiac Surgery Service - Consultations

Have your say on the NHS Greater Manchester Adult Cardiac Surgery Service

This consultation is about improving cardiac (heart) surgery services across Greater Manchester.
Right now, surgery happens at two hospitals. NHS Greater Manchester propose is to bring all adult cardiac surgery into one main centre at Wythenshawe Hospital. They need your feedback to understand what is important to the people who may be affected by the proposed changes and what their needs are. It is important that they consider this when they make the final decision on the best option for changes to cardiac surgery.

What is cardiac surgery?
Cardiac surgery treats serious problems with the heart and major blood vessels. This can include bypass surgery to improve blood flow, repairing or replacing heart valves, treating major blood vessel problems.

Why things need to change
The service needs to change to keep up with growing demand:

• More people are developing heart disease, especially as they get older
• Risk factors like smoking, diabetes and obesity are high in Greater Manchester
• There are differences in care and results between hospitals
• Specialist staff are spread across sites, making services harder to run safely

While the current model continues to provide care, it is not the best way to deliver care in the future.

NHS Greater Manchester's vision for cardiac surgery
Their aim is for a cardiac surgery service which can meet future demand and:

• Is safe and high quality
• Provides the same standard of care wherever you live across Greater Manchester

Their proposal is to have one main specialist centre supported by a strong network of local hospitals for routine care – including appointments, tests and follow up care - meaning patients would still get much of their care close to home.

Who will be affected by the change?
This proposal will affect

• People across Greater Manchester who need cardiac surgery and their families/carers throughout their care and recovery
• NHS staff
• GPs and heart specialists
• Hospitals and partner organisations

What are they proposing?
NHS Greater Manchester are proposing that all cardiac surgery happens at one specialist centre at Wythenshawe Hospital. Most patients will continue to receive care locally, including appointments, tests and follow-up care.
Other options were looked at but were not considered as strong.

Why is this considered a good option?
This option was chosen because it:

• Improves quality and consistency of care
• Brings specialist staff together, improving safety
• Helps reduce waiting times
• Makes better use of staff, buildings and equipment, and avoids the need for major new buildings or extra cost
• Uses staff and resources more effectively and can meet future demand

Why are NHS Greater Manchester only asking about one option?
NHS Greater Manchester are asking about one option because it is the only one that can realistically be delivered.
They looked at different ways to organise cardiac surgery. Each option was checked against what matters most, such as:

• Patient safety and quality of care
• Having enough staff
• How easy the service would be to run

The results showed strong agreement that having one specialist centre at Wythenshawe Hospital would provide the safest and most reliable service for the future. Other options scored lower or would not be affordable, harder to deliver safely or effectively. National guidance allows them to consult on one to three options. Because one option stood out so clearly, they are focusing on this so we can get clear feedback.

Where can I find out more?

Further information is available on NHS Greater Manchester engagement webpage: Project: Specialist Cardiac Surgery Consultation | NHS Greater Manchester

Why you should respond
It is very important that NHS Greater Manchester understand what is important to everybody who has an interest in the future of cardiac surgery services. They can only decide based on the information they have. If you have some thoughts, some things you wish them to consider, you need to let them know so that they can take them in to account.

How do you get involved?
NHS Greater Manchester want you to get involved as your feedback will help shape the final decision. You can share your views by completing the survey, attending events or contacting them directly.

Survey

Who to contact for further information and support:

For more detailed information or to request the survey in an alternative format, please visit the NHS GM get involved webpage, text, call or WhatsApp us on: 07786 673762. You can also email: gmhscp.engagement@nhs.net