Media Release
Date: 27 November 2015
RUH invites feedback on proposed relocation of paediatric services
The Royal United Hospitals Bath is inviting feedback on its proposal to move two services for children and young people, from its Mineral Hospital site in the centre of Bath, to a dedicated Children's Unit at its Combe Park site.
Dr Tim Craft, Medical Director RUH says "The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases' Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology service and Specialist Paediatric CFS/ME service are highly regarded services providing excellent standards of care for young people with rheumatology and musculoskeletal conditions or disabling fatigue. We want these services to continue to thrive; moving to the RUH provides the best opportunity to support and develop these services for the future."
The Trust is seeking views from patients, carers, healthcare partners and anyone who has an interest in these conditions to ensure that it can provide the best new home for each service.
An online survey is available, or comments are welcomed via email
ruh-tr.haveyoursay@nhs.net in writing, or in person at the Trust's upcoming engagement events in December 2015, where there will be the opportunity to look around the Children's Unit, meet with clinicians and learn more about the proposed relocation.
Dr Craft explains "Our proposal means patients who use these services will continue to be seen and treated by the same teams, only the location will change. As part of a dedicated Children's Unit, both services will have wider and more immediate access to facilities, diagnostics and clinical teams with a dedicated paediatric focus. We'll also be able to provide a more welcoming environment for young people and their families, in our specially designed outpatients' area."
Dr Esther Crawley, Consultant Pediatrician and clinical lead for the Specialist Paediatric CFS/ME service welcomes the proposed new home and says "We'll have better access to other paediatric specialties and we won't lose any community clinics but will gain senior paediatric expertise."
The consultation on relocating the RNHRD's Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology service and Specialist Paediatric CFS/ME service is open until 6th January 2016.
Moving these services is part of a careful and phased approach to relocating all RNHRD services over the next three years from the Mineral Hospital site to the RUH or appropriate community based settings, to maximise patient benefit. Feedback on these plans is welcome at any time and more information is available on our website.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
Specialist Paediatric CFS/ME
Providing assessment and treatment for children disabled by fatigue, the service treats children aged between two and eighteen, who need help getting better. The team has particular expertise in helping and supporting children who are severely affected, or who are affected by more than one condition.
Paediatric and Adoloscent Rheumatology Service
Providing diagnosis and management of rheumatic conditions and musculoskeletal problems in children and adolescents, the service aims to maintain the function and independence of those affected by these conditions, helping to prevent disability and supporting them to achieve their full potential socially, educationally and psychologically. There are two outpatient based clinics per month.
Engagement Events
The Trust is holding an informal event for each service, where you will be able to share your views, meet clinicians and ask any additional questions. These will be held in the Children's Unit at the RUH (Zone B, Dept B11, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG).
- 2nd December 2015, 5.30–8.30pm Paediatric CFS/ME service
- 14th December, 5.30 – 8.30pm Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology service
If you would like to attend please contact caroline.kenny1@nhs.net or telephone 01225 824122