Whittington Hospital boss – A&E is secure ‘as far as I am aware’
Published: 1st July, 2011
by ANDREW JOHNSON
THE chief executive of Whittington Hospital sought to reassure patients over the future of its accident and emergency unit this week – but failed to rule out a funding cut, writes Andrew Johnson.
Last week, the Tribune reported the confusion surrounding the A&E after Paula Kahn, in charge of commissioning services for the whole of north central London, failed to give a categorical assurance that it wouldn’t be included in the £230million cuts still being planned for the area.
Now Yi Mien, who runs the Whittington, has told the Tribune that the A&E is secure “as far as I am aware”, but added that changes to emergency care procedure would make it more efficient.
“We should maximise this opportunity to get the best care that provides the most value for patients and the taxpayer,” she said. “And that means the best outcomes at the lowest cost. In terms of the A&E there is definitely a future. As we move forward there will always be a provision for acute care. But we will endeavour to provide more care in the community and in people’s homes.”
She explained that as not everyone attending A&E needed hospital treatment, care might be better provided at home or by the new acute unit outside the A&E which treats lighter injuries. This would relieve pressure on the A&E unit. “The A&E is an integral part [of the plans],” she said.
However, when asked if this meant a downsized A&E she said: “I am very clear that our model of care meets quality standards and that means A&E providing care, as well as in our local community. If we can do that and meet quality standards then there’s no reason why the Whittington will not have an A&E. I am clear it has a future.”
MP for Islington South, Emily Thornberry, said: “I applaud the chief exec’s efforts to provide more care to people in the community.
“It is tragic that this great work is going on against a background of such financial uncertainty.”