NHS Greater Manchester: Specialist Vascular Surgery - Consultations

Have your say on NHS Greater Manchester's Specialist Vascular Surgery Service

This consultation is about improving specialist vascular surgery services across Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire. Right now, major surgery happens at two hospitals: Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) or Royal Oldham Hospital (ROH). NHS Greater Manchester now propose to bring this into one main hospital at the MRI, while keeping most care such as appointments, tests and follow-up close to home. 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 the NHS consider this when they make the final decision on the best option for changes to specialist vascular surgery.

What is vascular surgery?
Vascular surgery treats conditions affecting blood vessels such as arteries and veins. These problems can be serious and life-threatening such as blocked blood flow, blood clots and weak blood vessel walls (aneurysms). Treatment can include operations, less invasive procedures, or ongoing care and checks.

Why things need to change
There are several reasons why change is needed:

• More people need care because the population is growing and ageing
• More people have long-term conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
• There are differences in care and results across the region
• Some people find it harder to access services
• There are staff shortages and pressure on NHS resources

While the current model continues to provide care, it is not the best fit for the future.

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

• Provides high-quality care for everyone treated by highly experienced teams
• Provides the same standard of care wherever you live across Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire

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 and Eastern Cheshire who need vascular surgery and their families/carers throughout their care and recovery
• NHS staff
• GPs and other healthcare professionals
• Hospitals and support services

What is being proposed?
NHS Greater Manchester are proposing that all major vascular surgery happens at one specialist centre at Manchester Royal Infirmary. Most patients will continue to receive care locally, including appointments, tests and follow-up care. Only patients needing specialist surgery and overnight care will need to travel to Manchester Royal Infirmary. Other options were considered, but this option was identified as the safest and most sustainable when assessed by experts and stakeholders.

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

• Brings specialist staff together, improving safety
• Helps people get faster treatment in emergencies
• Improves the overall quality of care
• Uses staff and resources more effectively and can meet future demand

Why are NHS Greater Manchester only asking about one option?
They are asking about one option because it clearly came out as the best choice. They looked at different ways to organise vascular 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 Manchester Royal Infirmary would provide the safest and most reliable service for the future. Other options scored lower or would be harder to deliver safely or effectively. National guidance allows the NHS to consult on one to three options. Because one option stood out so clearly, they are focusing on this so they can get clear feedback.

Where can I access more information about this consultation: 

You can access further information about this consultation on the NHS Greater Manchester engagement webpage: Project: Specialist Vascular Surgery Consultation | NHS Greater Manchester.

Why you should respond
It is very important that the NHS understand what is important to everybody who has an interest in the future of specialist vascular 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 us directly.

Survey

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