Hospital boss is quick to deny downgrade rumour

Published 22 Aug 2010 11:00

A HOSPITAL boss has dismissed claims that Wexham Park Hospital could be downgraded to just an accident and emergency unit.

Earlier this week Edward Donald, chief executive of the Royal Berkshire Hospital, said on local radio he envisaged the Royal Berks becoming a hyper-acute centre dealing with all types of situations across the region.

However Julie Burgess, chief executive of Heatherwood and Wexham Park

Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has come out defending the hospital and said she has received an apology from Mr Donald.

She said: “I am aware this week BBC Radio Berkshire broadcast an interview with Edward Donald. He talked about his aspiration for the Royal Berkshire to be a hyper-acute centre and speculated on the impact that may have on other local trusts, mentioning Heatherwood and Wexham Park specifically.

“I have had an apology from Mr Donald, and our chairman has had an apology from the chairman of the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Colin Maclean, for the way in which some of the comments made might have been misconstrued, and caused concern for some of our patients and the local community.”

She added although the trust has to make cuts over the next year, the coalition Government has announced its Big Community scheme to get local people more involved and any changes to the hospital will only take place after a full consultation.

Mrs Burgess said: “I can say with complete certainty that any changes we might consider making will be made in full consultation with all our stakeholders, including patients, staff and the local community.

“Any changes to the provision of healthcare must be based on what is best for our patients and the local community, not on speculation.

“I am totally committed to ensuring that this trust continues to meet the needs of our patients and the local community.”

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