Plans to move Eye Infirmary ludicrous - Liz Lynne MEP

7.10.57pm GMT Tue 29th Nov 2005

Liz Lynne is once again lending her support to the campaign against the controversial decision by Wolverhampton Eye Infirmary to close its weekend Accident and Emergency clinic from January.

In June 2006 it is expected that all services will be shifted from the site at Chapel Ash to New Cross Hospital, including the amalgamation of the Accident and Emergency Eye Clinic with that of the existing A & E department, and the redistribution of Nurse Practitioners throughout the Hospital.

Liz said today in Brussels:

"Current proposals would be untenable. The Accident and Emergency department in New Cross Hospital is already busy without an additional 45,000 patients from the Eye Infirmary's A&E clinic. It is clear that waiting times can only increase and it is the patients who will suffer.

"Vital skills and knowledge of optometry would be lost to departments in need of nurses. How can the board justify redistributing Nurse Practitioners with such expertise and knowledge in the field?"

Ms Lynne added:

"Whilst there is agreement that the current site is not fit to continue housing the Eye Infirmary, the new accommodation would be one third of the size of the current Infirmary site. Other alternatives to this proposal must be considered.

"I wrote to the Chief Executive asking for clarification of the plans earlier this month and received no response. Factors other than financial aspects must be considered when patient service is threatened in such a way."

ENDS