Local authority threatens judicial review over proposed transfer of hospital services

North Lincolnshire Council has threatened judicial review proceedings over proposals to move some services out of Scunthorpe General Hospital, “if local people’s views are not given the weight they deserve when deciding on the future of health services in the area”.

The prospect of potential legal action arose at an extraordinary meeting of councillors last week where members voted unanimously to object to proposals issued by NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The ICB is currently holding a 14-week consultation on its plans.

Cllr Rob Waltham (Conservative), the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The proposals are clearly about saving money rather than what is best for local people.

“Improving services must be at the heart of any changes – the people of Scunthorpe and the surrounding area should get the best possible healthcare.

“Where there is a need for specialisms having a single site – and if better care can be assured – then the support mechanism for people accessing that care need to be in place.”

Cllr Len Foster, leader, Labour Group, said: “Having attended three separate briefings from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) on behalf of the National Health Service regarding the transfer of services from Scunthorpe General Hospital to Grimsby I have, unfortunately, become more disheartened with each meeting.

“What is supposedly a consultation with North Lincolnshire residents is appearing more like a fait accompli.

“This is a total turn-around by the NHS who not so long ago were talking up the possibility of providing a full ‘Blue Light Zone’ encompassing all health and emergency services but obviously not only has this been shelved but we face a possibility of a withdrawal of many services in Scunthorpe.”

Under the ICB’s proposals some services would be provided solely from Diana Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby rather than across both hospitals, as is now the case.

The proposal being put forward relates to a trauma unit, overnight emergency surgery, specialist teams for heart, lung and stomach conditions and paediatric overnight care for children and young people who need to stay in hospital for more than 24 hours.

A final decision will be taken by the ICB Board in 2024.

A motion agreed by North Lincolnshire Council read: “This council strongly objects to the clinician-led proposals recently announced by the ICB regarding the transfer of some vital NHS services from Scunthorpe General Hospital to Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby. Transferring services to Grimsby would mean that patients and visitors would face additional transport costs which is an unnecessary barrier to accessing important health services.

“However, what is currently proposed can only be described as a major downgrading of Scunthorpe General Hospital and its services to the detriment of our communities, and will only benefit those who live in North East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire.

“We will work with all local MPs and we will defend robustly the health needs of our children, families and older and disabled residents to protect our NHS services in Scunthorpe. The Council reserves the right to apply for a full judicial review should the outcome of the consultation and the resulting recommendations not be in the best interests of North Lincolnshire residents.”

A spokewsperson for NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said: "We believe the changes we are putting forward will improve the quality of urgent and emergency care, trauma, and inpatient paediatric care for people in northern Lincolnshire and ensure patients have access to the most highly skilled professionals when needed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These proposed changes will not impact on the majority of people who require urgent and emergency care, general medical or care of the elderly, who would still be treated at their local Hospital.

"Throughout the 14-week consultation period, we will be focused on ensuring everyone has an opportunity to have their say, and that we listen carefully to the consultation responses before any decision is taken. We encourage all interested parties to visit the Better Hospitals Humber website at www.betterhospitalshumber.nhs.uk to find full details of the proposal that has been put forward by the local NHS, understand the case for change that we are making and how to give us their views."