Kingston Clinical Assessment Service

25.08.06

Two weeks ago, I wrote about my concerns over 3 local NHS issues – the deficits in Kingston’s Primary Care Trust, Kingston Hospital’s plans to become a Foundation Trust and a new GP referral system called “Kingston Clinical Assessment Service” (KCAS).

Further meetings since have not eased my concerns.

First, the PCT’s financial plans. I remain deeply concerned about some of the proposed cuts – like changes to the Pain Management Service. I’ve yet to be convinced that GPs can replace the multi-disciplinary team at Kingston Hospital.

Worse still, I’ve discovered a London-wide plan to save money: the introduction of minimum waiting times.

Normally, we talk of capping delays, with maximum waiting times. Now, to save money, the NHS wants us to wait longer, with minimum waiting times – even if Kingston Hospital can do the operation now! 

Kingston Hospital’s waiting lists are shorter than most hospitals, so minimum waiting times would push them up!

Yet in 2008, there will be a new national maximum waiting time limit of 18 weeks - so if Kingston’s lists increase now, due to short term cutbacks, we will have to spend even more in 2007/08 to bring them back down again. Madness!!

To stop this, I need to hear from you. If you’ve had a problem with the new GP referral system (KCAS) or are concerned about any of these changes, write to me at 21 Berrylands Road, Surbiton KT5 8QX or daveye@parliament.uk