| NHS Outlines Proposals to Improve Region’s Vascular Services |
| Patients with serious vascular conditions could see their chances of survival markedly improve, following the launch of a public consultation looking at the reorganisation of vascular services in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. As part of proposals, patients with vascular conditions who need complex and emergency care would receive treatment at one of seven dedicated hospitals. Proposed hospital sites providing complex and emergency care are Sheffield, Hull, York, Leeds, Bradford, Doncaster and Huddersfield. Vascular services consist of planned treatment for conditions where there is not enough blood reaching an organ or parts of the body such as the arms, legs or head, caused by a partial or total blockage. Vascular services also include planned treatment for aneurysm (a fluid-filled bulge in an artery that can weaken it) and treatment for other types of abnormal blood vessels. In addition, vascular specialists are needed to support other medical treatments such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy access. As well as planned treatment, vascular services also include emergency treatment. These include life threatening emergencies, such as when a large artery bursts; where there is a critical lack of blood to a limb; when the lack of a blood supply can be limb threatening; or injuries from road traffic accidents. A 14 week consultation on proposals has started this week. To have your say, visit vascular services |