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Health bosses have confirmed there are no plans to close the Royal Berkshire Bracknell Clinic
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No plans to close loss-making Brants Bridge cancer clinic

By Becky Barnes
February 07, 2013

Health bosses insist there are no plans to close the loss-making Royal Berkshire Bracknell Clinic at Brants Bridge.

The cancer and renal clinic was described as a “significant financial drain” in a report last year which outlined options including selling the site.

However, a spokesman for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said this week: “There are no plans to close it.”

Papers published from a board of directors meeting included suggestions from NHS independent regulator Monitor that the clinic could be ‘disposed of’, but health chiefs insist the centre has a future.

Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for adult services, health and housing at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “The future of Brants Bridge looks good. It is so critical it is there, in that location, in the middle of the population.”

The clinic has been earmarked to house an urgent care centre under NHS plans to close services at Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot.

It will also become home to a children’s evening clinic, which will be piloted for nine months, from 4pm to 9pm Mondays to Fridays, to stop parents making ‘unnecessary’ trips to A&E.

The project has been delayed while staff are recruited.

Cllr Birch added: “When the centre was opened by Royal Berkshire it was believed the size of the market for its services was going to be bigger than it is.

“All that has happened is the health services delivered today are totally different to three to four years ago – the market has significantly changed.”

Monitor estimates in 2012/13 the clinic will make a loss in the region of £3 million to £4 million so advised a number of options to solve problems.

Recommendations from Monitor included: “The trust should seek expert legal, corporate finance, and/or operational support, as appropriate, to ensure that Bracknell is either disposed of or, if this is not possible, incorporated into a coherent clinical estates strategy.”

The report went on to say the trust’s ‘preferred option’ would be to draw new activity from Bracknell and Ascot Clinical Commissioning Group to sustain, which fits into plans for the long-awaited Healthspace.

Cllr Birch added the clinic was finding other ways to increase throughput by flagging up issues early and getting partners to come in. He said: “They can take income from other partners for rent – Frimley [Park Hospital] are already in there and there are plans for the urgent care centre in the future.”

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Most recent user comments 13 of 13

I would have staked my house on the proposals being accepted. My views on this are as follows:-

Firstly I assume that there will have to be some major building work taking place at Brants Bridge in order to make the facility usable as an Urgent Care Centre. Assuming that this is the case will the work be put out to tender? This will take months and will compromise the estimated completion date for the UCC. If the contract for the work has already been awarded then this shows that the decision had already been made well before the public consultation.

Secondly, what will happen to the Chemo and Renal units at Brants Bridge while the conversion work is taking place? It will be less than ideal if building work is taking place while these two units are still being used.

BP, Bracknell
26/03/2013 at 19:14

...and just to take some heat out of these exchanges - and acknowledging that we are all entitled to hold different views, which is what makes our democracy so vibrant - allow me to clarify my position as you seem to think I'm such a stooge for the left.

I am an Independent and a Moderate. I believe that to endeavour in the service of our fellow citizens is a calling not a career move. I believe strongly in the 7 Nolan principles:

Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Furthermore I believe a truly representative MP should:

- be guided by considered evidence, their real world experience and expertise, their constituencies and their consciences.

- be free from the control of any political party, pressure group or whip.

- be non-discriminatory, ethical and committed to pluralism.

- make decisions transparently and openly at every stage and level of the political process, enabling people to see how decisions are made and the evidence on which they are based.

- listen, consulting the community constantly and innovatively.

- treat political opponents with courtesy and respect, challenging them when we believe they are wrong, and agreeing with them when we believe they are right.

- resist abuses of power and patronage and promote democracy at every level.

- claim expenses, salaries and compensation openly so the public can judge the value for money of our activities.

I also believe that many in this constituency are angry, distrustful and sick of party politics, and feel Lee has woefully underperformed as an MP. He's a part-time GP and a part-time MP - a two salary public sector worker who cynically opposes the very system that pays him well. His views and activities do not reflect an understanding or empathy with those he serves.

I believe the Bracknell constituency deserves better.

Winstanley, Bracknell
08/02/2013 at 11:01

Old Oaks - you didn't correct gross misinformation. Lee stated as a matter of public record that the Trust is in debt and unsustainable. Tell me how such a statement doesn't help support the proposal for his hospital (which is opposed by many in this constituency)?

I could care less about the feelings of the Conservative Party given the wide-spread fear they HAVE created about the future of the NHS. Remember Lansley? Recall the almighty protests up and down the land by nurses, unions, doctors, health professionals? Remember the 'pause' for consultation and then going ahead with plans to introduce privatisation anyway?

Luddites eh? Nice to see what you and the Tories of Bracknell think of those opposed to Lee's half-baked hospital. Just because we don't agree with these plans, and fail to see any merit in them practically, financially, or morally?

When it comes to reports such as this - we've been here before as I highlighted earlier. That is what upsets people. Bracknell wants healthcare that is relevant to it's needs in the 21st century - and that is what the original Healthspace would have delivered.

Personally, I say close Heatherwood and invest in healthcare provision that serves the locality, augmented by what is already available superbly at Frimley and Royal Berks. We voted with our feet when it come to two of our daughters - they were born at Frimley precisely because we had no faith in maternity services offered through Heatherwood and Bracknell midwives.

But Lee should not be considering the rest of the country. First, he should start a bit closer to home.

Winstanley, Bracknell
08/02/2013 at 10:54

Winstanley: Since when was pedantry the correction of gross misinformation?

Read Dr Lees words. WHY was Heatherwood left to go to ruin in the first pace? How was it that those that created the Hospital trust were able to retire in luxury the next year? A £2 million surplus of funds into a £20 million debt in just a year? Ask them why the birth unit was run down so much that people voted with their feet and went to Frimley Park.

http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/news/s/2057116_heatherwood_hospital_asked_where_did_all_the_money_go

Why do you accuse Conservatives of wanting to create fear over health services? Please explain. That is a very hurtful statement for people in the Conservative party.

Healthcare is undergoing dramatic changes – people should be cared for at home, not in hospital. Rehabilitation services are being delivered locally not miles away. In return, acute and very specialist services are now being done at centres of excellence.

We have to consider all of the country, not just Bracknell. Collaboration with other local areas can only be good for all of us.

Winstanley, you and all the other luddites need to come in to the modern world.

What DR le said is real – It is what the council agreed with as well – “Heatherwood and Wexham Park NHS Trust is in debt and unsustainable” Not due to the MP. Not due to the council, but due to a series of inept Labour and Tory government ministers, including the latest ones. But there will be better ways of doing things.

Olds Oak, Finchampstead
08/02/2013 at 01:29

Ahh - Old Oaks. Seriously, which Councillor are you? Glad to see pedantry alive and well. I knew some apologist would turn up and attempt some kind of intimation that I've taken Lee's comments out of context.

However, I haven't. The essence I was pointing towards is still there in what he said:

Heatherwood and Wexham Park NHS Trust is in debt and unsustainable.

This suits Lee and all you party lackeys as it helps feed fear of closing our health services.

If you're such a fanboy for Lee answer us all why he stated during the selection process that he would stand up for healthcare in Bracknell:

"A determined man who will campaign locally for:...The defence of the threatened services at Heatherwood Hospital"

http://tinyurl.com/aw3t48t

Then we got this:

http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/news/s/2108276_dont_reopen_heatherwood_birth_unit__phillip_lee_mp

You should be ashamed of yourselves at BCA - cosy little club that revels in being an exclusive enclave for a bunch of mates and cronies.

Politics should be about inclusion and fighting for the betterment of people's lives through service with integrity, and consideration for wider society.

Where is Lee's inclusion when he can't even be bothered to hold regular meetings for his constituents throughout the day? Oh, he's off getting his photo with primary school children. Or maybe single Mum's, Dad's, and full-time parents aren't a core demographic?

Why can't he commit to BRACKNELL and it's healthcare needs? Not Windsor, Wycombe, Maidenhead or Slough. That's the job of their MP's.

You really have no idea - when stories like this appear - do you?

quite right @timespassing - when WILL we be able to recall MP's for poor performance?

Winstanley, Bracknell
07/02/2013 at 17:17

Perhaps we could also draw up contracts for MPs so they too get sacked for poor performance.

timespassing
07/02/2013 at 16:11

And the rest Winstanley:

"I note with interest that the chief executive of Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who oversaw the foundation trust status being secured a few years ago, has now retired with a healthy pension and so on. That trust is now £80 million in debt and unsustainable.

I also note with interest that the chief executive in this case cited the old chestnut of stress-related illness in order to avoid contributing to the report. When are we going to draw up contracts so that people get sacked for poor performance, be it financial or clinical?

As far as I am concerned, the same should apply to hospital managers as applied to bankers.

Olds Oak, Finchampstead
07/02/2013 at 15:44

This is an outrage. Why aren't health bosses and Phillip Lee being dragged before us.

This is another re-run of these select headlines:

http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/lifestyle/health_and_beauty/s/2125741_heatherwood_will_not_close_says_hospital_boss

http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/news/s/2122651_bosses_announce_heatherwood_hospital_is_burning_money_as_consultation_is_launched

http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/news/s/2100411_heatherwood_maternity_unit_temporarily_closing

http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/news/s/2100227_heatherwood_hospital_closure_is_on_the_agenda

Remember when Healthspace was given the go-ahead, then the paperwork was held up, then abandoned? Then it was moving into Brant's Bridge.

Remember the maternity unit at Heatherwood?

First the denials, then excuses, then the closures.

Then we get this little nugget between Phillip Lee and the PM yesterday:

"...Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust...is now £80 million in debt and unsustainable."

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2013-02-06a.279.0&s=speaker%3A24765#g295.1

THIS MATTER CAN NO LONGER BE ALLOWED TO STAND! DESELECT LEE NOW.

Winstanley, Bracknell
07/02/2013 at 14:37

What GP doesn't think people are stupid?

It's probably losing money because GPs are still failing to diagnose cancer.

Time4tea
07/02/2013 at 14:01

Dr Lee must think we are all stupid!

As said below it is obvious they want everything to fail so he can open his non supporting Bracknell hospital

When can we get rid of him?

CMK
07/02/2013 at 13:54

Easy - lets all hop on the excellent fast public transport links to the Phillip Lee Memorial Hospital where we can all worship him for not sticking up for healthcare in Bracknell Forest!

Tom Edwards, Bracknell
07/02/2013 at 11:11

Michael my dear, can't we all see what is happening? Lee and his BCA/private healthcare cronies have Bracknell's healthcare sown up!

NHS reforms to introduce privatisation into healthcare delivery mean Lee can champion his fantasy hospital, private chums will end up running it.

Meanwhile those who are meant to matter look like the mugs they take us for.

When will the good people of Bracknell smell the Gold Blend?

Mme. Madeline Vegas
07/02/2013 at 10:49

I had no idea that Brants Bridge was making a loss because we had been told about all the improvements that are to be made there - with an urgent care centre etc. I had felt that more and more people are in need of medical attention yet Cllr Birch tells us that the size of the market for Brants Bridge is smaller than was expected. If both Heatherwood AND Brants Bridge close where does that leave the people of Bracknell when they want comparatively straightforward attention. And where does Fitzwilliam House fit into the health care of this area? Isn't it time that Royal Berks, Heatherwood and Wexham Park and Frimley Park produced a comprehensive plan for this area rather than competing for our 'custom?'