London Councils' response to consultation on stroke and trauma services in London

Background

Local primary care trusts, supported by Healthcare for London, consulted on changing the way stroke and major trauma patients receive care in the capital. London’s record for providing these services varies across the capital, and more people in London are dying from stroke and major trauma than in many other parts of the UK and the world.

Summary response

This paper sets out London Councils’ response to the Healthcare for London consultation on the provision of major trauma and stroke services in London.

• London Councils has made a deliberate decision not to take part in debates about specific hospitals that have or have not been designated.  London Councils’ concern is to make sure that the strategy provides good coverage across all parts of the Capital and achieves better health outcomes Londoners.
• London Councils would be looking for a full review (with member involvement) of any stroke and major trauma models taken forward within 12 months of their start up.
• Travel times:The travel times stated in the consultation are highly ambitious.  London Councils has a real concern as to whether these travelling times are achievable and realistic, particularly with respect to patients travelling from some outer London boroughs.  Travel times should be rigorously monitored to ensure that expectations are achieved.
• Funding: London Councils would like to see a clear breakdown of how the additional funding for stroke and trauma services will be invested, specifically in respect of funding for the community led services, voluntary and third sector organisations.
• Workforce and training: The proposals will require the appointment of a substantial number of staff.  London Councils is concerned that these numbers are appropriate but ambitious and that immediate measures should be implemented to recruit and train new staff needed. 
• Rehabilitation and community led services: London Councils would like to see more detail on how community services will be supported to ensure consistent high standards across the Capital. 
• Transfer arrangements: London Councils would like to see effective protocols and adequate discharge arrangements in place for transfer patients.  The same applies when patients leave hospital and return home.  Reliable community led services will play a pivotal role if a person is to gain a full recovery; these services should be available and in place as soon as the patient leaves hospital.
• Caring for children: A coordinated London approach to caring for young children should be adopted to ensure that the specific needs of children do not get lost in a large specialist hospital unit focused more on the needs of adults.

The full response is available below: