Is Dorset A&E shake-up now free to go ahead?
The High Court has dismissed a judicial review of plans to reconfigure services in Dorset.
The review was brought about by a Swanage resident, Anna Hinsull, and supported by campaign groups opposed to the downgrading of A&E services in Poole.
The High Court dismissed the review after deciding that the consultation and clinical services review had been conducted in a satisfactory manner.
Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) reconfiguration plans involve the merging of two foundation trusts, Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals; and Poole. It will also see the opening of a major emergency hospital in Bournemouth and a planned care centre in Poole. The shake-up will introduce a community hub approach to social care, with the aim of reducing unplanned admissions.
There is no confirmed timeline yet, but an estimated completion date of 2023 has been suggested.
The reconfiguration has secured £147m of capital funding for the region, although this will only be unlocked once the business cases are approved by NHS Improvement, the Department for Health and Social Care and the Treasury.
Further information
HSJ: Acute reconfiguration to go ahead after CCG wins judicial review
Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group: Dorset CCG wins judicial review – High Court dismisses all claims brought by a local resident
Wellards News: Regulator to look again at rejected Southwest merger