The NCL Vascular Update
Following the Case for Change document, published by Health Care for London in 2010, the NCL sector Vascular Surgeons, Interventional Radiologists and Hospital Managers have worked together to implement the required vascular service changes. The documernt stated that the best outcomes are achieved in specialist vascular units with dedicated vascular teams available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The documents also emphasised that it is in the best interests of patients that hospitals should come together to provide high volume units and that the NHS in London needs to guarantee patients equal access to the treatment in order that they get the highest possible standard of care for their condition.
Consequently, the new NCL Vascular model will be a "Hub and Spoke" model, with the Royal Free Hospital being designated as the Vascular Hub. The Hub will host a specialised treatment centre and vascular assessment and treatment units will be at each of the partner sites, University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust and Whittington Health NHS Trust.
Work is now going on to ensure implementation by 1st April.