Consultants complain about services at their hospital

11 Nov 2008

One of the top children’s hospitals in England has been the subject of complaints from its own consultants.

Management meetings took place at Birmingham Children's Hospital in August, leading to the commission of a review of services.

A story in The Observer said that this review was highly critical, although the hospital has stated that the newspaper wasn’t quoting an official report.

A number of doctors from various specialist areas have been consulted since the review began. It is thought that there has been criticism of a lack of interventional radiology, a shortage of beds in major areas and the training of theatre staff.

The Observer also claimed that the report reveals that doctors don’t report safety risks any more as they believe that hospital managers don’t respond with action.

Paul O’Connor, the Chief Executive of the hospital, said that staff had been upset by the coverage in The Observer and that none of the concerns raised related to serious clinical issues.

The hospital released a statement saying: “Birmingham Children's Hospital would like to emphasise that there is absolutely no clinical risk to patients. 

"The issues that have been raised are all standard operational ones and we have agreed a plan with the PCTs and the clinicians concerned about addressing the issues raised.

“We believe that we have nothing to hide and we have approached Great Ormond Street Hospital and they've agreed to review the situation and produce a public report on their findings."

Guy Forster of Patientlawyers.com said, “This report is alarming to read, not only because of the seriousness of the claims but also the fact that the source of those claims are senior clinicians themselves.  It is particularly concerning to hear that incidents involving matters of patient safety are not being reported, putting patients potentially at risk.  The findings of this report need to be properly investigated and acted upon.”

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