A REVIEW of hospital services across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire could see calls for a superhospital rejuvenated.

The concept of a new hospital in west Hertfordshire, combining cancer and heart care, arose this week following the announcement of a comprehensive review of hospital services across the two counties.

Chief executive of St Albans and Harpenden Primary Care Trust (PCT) Steve Knighton welcomed the shake-up.

He said: "I think this is a great opportunity. If we identify certain problems this gives us a golden opportunity to address these and say to the people of Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire we hope to provide you with a centre in one locality."

St Albans District Council, West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust and the PCT have jointly embraced the review, which has been prompted by the recent publication of Government targets for the NHS. It will be co-ordinated by West Herts Health Authority alongside its neighbours.

The imminent publication of regional reviews into cancer and specialist cardiac services, which are expected next month, have also been described as offering "exciting opportunities for the future of health services in Hertfordshire" by the council, the trust and PCT.

Mr Knighton suggested that those findings could influence the path of the county's own review.

It would give an opportunity, he said: "To say we would like a special cancer and cardio-thoracic centre located in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

"But then we would have to look seriously at what services are provided where. There could be shifts in services.

"The options are all open on this one. Watford General, Hemel Hempstead, the QEII and Lister Hospitals, one or other of these units could become this centre. At the moment no options have been precluded.

"There is an opportunity now with these big reviews going on for us to say on behalf of Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire this is what we would like to do."

The review of services across Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire is currently in its preliminary stages, however, with the district council, St Albans MP Kerry Pollard, the Council for Voluntary Service, GPs and care providers being asked their opinions on what changes need to be made.

These views will then be put forward to a meeting of stakeholders in October and will form the key elements of the forthcoming review process.

St Albans district councillor Robert Donald, portfolio holder for environment and health, backed the review.

However he claimed: "The public want the talking on improvements to stop and the improvements themselves to start.

"They want better health services, fully staffed by doctors and nurses in cleaner hospitals."

August 9, 2001 10:46

Wendy Fielder