[lettie]

Originally Posted by Stanleymad

I can see the repercussions of this which wont end being good in the end because lives could be lost in its extremity & the concern is with all this cost cutting [cos don't forget its not about services its about cost] that patient waiting lists are going to be considerably higher certainly at BRH - never mind the strains it already has & the influx of immigrant workers, stretched to the limit

I can't see the new system having any adverse effects on waiting lists. It may even be a positive step to ensure that people are treated in the best possible place. A&E will be for emergencies only and geared up to treat emergencies only, everything else will be treated at the Urgent Care centres, therefore, A&E waiting room will no longer be cluttered up with minor injuries and people who really ought to see their GP.
Emergency and major operations potentially requiring ICU care will be done at Blackburn, probably along with some list ops. Most waiting list ops will be done at Burnley as some of them already are. I really can't see the changes having any negative effect on general waiting lists. What I can see is some potential delay in getting a dire emergency to RBH, hence the new Helipad and, of course, the Paramedics having to stabilise people the best they can on transfer which, they already do.

The only thing we can do is suck it and see. We have no option really except, of course, at the next election....