Full story at the ChronicleLive 21 February 2018
The future of South Tyneside Hospital services have been decided.
Health bosses met to determine the future of three areas of hospital care today: emergency paediatrics, stroke services and maternity and gynaecology.
The proposals, which could see many services moving to Sunderland, have sparked fierce opposition from campaigners fearing the hospital is being “downgraded”.
Stroke services have already temporarily moved to Sunderland Hospital from South Tyneside, and clinicians say “better care” is being offered under the new model.
It’s suggested this arrangement be made permanent, with a local community stroke team in South Tyneside.
In maternity units and gynaecological services, suggestions include having a midwifery unit in South Tyneside for low-risk births, with consultants leading a maternity unit in Sunderland and a special care baby unit only located in Sunderland.
All emergency and major gynaecological would all take place in Sunderland.
South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck MP branded the proposals “dangerous” for patients in South Tyneside.