A REVIEW of healthcare which promised multi-million pound investment in Croydon University Hospital has been delayed again.
While one of the options being considered by the Better Services, Better Value (BSBV) review was closing key departments at the hospital in London Road, the more likely outcome was a £75 million revamp of its A&E and maternity departments.
The controversial process has been beset by delays and now NHS England has asked clinicians to look again at its three potential configurations amid fear they are financially unviable.
BSBV had been due to go out to public consultation in the coming week but will now be rethought over the summer.
Dr David Finch, joint medical director for BSBV, said the latest set back was "disappointing".
"NHS England continues to support the case for change and the clinical service proposals but has asked us to look once more at the finances to give absolute assurances before the programme progresses to the next stage," he said.
"We have also listened to the concerns of stakeholders and MPs that we should not consult with the public over the summer, when people are often away.
"Given the further work to be done, the local committee of CCGs is now expected to meet after the summer to plan the next steps.
"This decision is disappointing. However, our recommendations will be all the stronger for the additional work."
Last month board members at Croydon CCG, responsible for commissioning health services in the borough, described the idea of downgrading the town's hospital as "crackpot" and "undeliverable".
The plans, which would likely see key services closed at Epsom and St Helier hospitals, has also been criticised by Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling and Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake.
The review ground to a halt last November after the collapse of a hospital merger in Surrey raised questions of the clinical and financial evidence it was based on.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
