A PRIVATE Canadian health firm could be contracted to perform knee and hip operations in a bid to slash waiting list times at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The operations would be carried out at the new multi-million pound Kidderminster Treatment Centre, in a separate orthopaedic unit run independently of the NHS.

The deal - aimed at taking pressure of acute hospitals - would be the first of its kind in Worcestershire and one of the first in the UK, say officials.

Patients would wait no longer that three months for an operation at the unit - six months shorter than current nine-month waits at the Royal, in Worcester.

They would also benefit from "quick, slick and effective" treatment, say health bosses.

But some fear the deal will see less qualified, overseas surgeons carrying out operations.

Recovery

Interhealth Care - which currently has a similar contract with an Abu Dhabi hospital and is developing a new hospital in Kuwait - would employ all the unit's surgeons, anaesthetists and theatre staff.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the treatment centre and the Royal, would provide all other employees, including recovery room staff and nurses.

"The problem is surgeons who are not too successful have found employment abroad instead. The question is, will those coming from overseas to here be in the same position?" asked Councillor Malcolm Meikle, chairman of Wychavon District Council's health scrutiny committee.

He also fears the deal will see health chiefs - or ultimately the taxpayer - paying out huge fines. Interhealth would be contracted by Worcestershire's three primary care trusts to perform 9,000 operations over the next five years, including hip and knee replacements.

However, it would be the PCTs' responsibility to ensure GPs and hospitals are referring enough patients to the unit - if they do not, they could be fined.

"As waiting lists diminish, won't the PCTs have problems referring patients and be left with an unjustifiable payment?" asked Coun Meikle.

Sarah Smith, director of commissioning at South Worcestershire PCT, said all surgeons would be on the General Medical Council's specialist register.

She stressed the trust has only agreed the plans "in principle" and a full business case, including its financial feasibility, would be complete by July.

If the initiative goes ahead, Interhealth will start operating in October.

City patient welcomes bid to slash waiting list times

A WORCESTER woman who has just undergone a knee replacement operation has welcomed the news about the proposed initiative to slash waiting list times.

Annie Dendy, of Stanley Road, waited just over seven months for her operation, which was carried out three weeks ago at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

"By the time you get put on the waiting list for a new knee or hip operation, you're already in considerable pain," said the 59-year-old.

"And once you're in that kind of pain, you're walking badly.

"So not only are you suffering from the pain of the joint that is damaged but also the other hip or knee, or even your back, the other parts of your body you are putting your weight on to try and compensate.

"I would certainly want to be treated under this scheme.

"I was in pain everyday, taking strong painkillers, walking with a stick, and at the same time trying to hold down a full-time job.

Treatment

"Anything that stops that kind of stress has to be a good thing."

However, Annie was full of praise for the treatment she received, both before and after her operation at the Royal.

"I waited seven months, but was told it would be at least 12 months for the operation, so to have it sooner was fantastic. I have no complaints at all.

"The staff were brilliant and totally professional. They really knew what they were doing."

She had tests before the operation to make sure she was suitable for the surgery, allowing time, if necessary, for her to make health improvements in readiness for the knee replacement.

Staff also made sure she had sufficient facilities at home so she could cope once she was discharged from hospital.

She will also receive continuing support and treatment from hospital staff for 12 weeks following the operation.

Surgeries are back on track

HEALTH bosses have officially lifted a controversial suspension placed on plans for seven new GP surgeries across Worcestershire.

Eight plans for new or revamped health centres were put on ice by South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust in February following Government funding changes.

It was feared the projects would be the victim of a cash shortfall of millions of pounds, but after months of campaigning, including a 'Save our Surgeries' petition launched by the Evening News, seven of the projects have now secured funding.

However, Abbottswood Medical Centre, in Defford Road, Pershore, was the only one of the eight that missed out on the cash windfall.

The plans are to extend the centre so it can provide more services and 21st Century health care.

At a meeting of South Worcestershire PCT's board yesterday, chairman David Barlow confirmed the trust is considering an "improvement grant" - paid out of the PCT's own coffers - to ensure the project goes ahead.

He said the scheme was "complementary" to plans to build a new community hospital and medical centre in Pershore, and a decision on the grant would be made within the next 18 months.

At the meeting, the board unanimously agreed to go ahead with the seven originally suspended schemes and a further five which had already secured funding.

PCT chief executive Mike Ridley said he was both "delighted and relieved" about the decision.

The schemes include surgeries in Worcester, Malvern, Pershore, Upton-upon-Severn, Ombersley, Droitwich and Evesham, and will lead to improved health care for two thirds of South Worcestershire's 200,000-strong population.