Oswestry hospital hits treatment targets

Additional clinics and more theatre sessions have been organised since the beginning of June when it was revealed that the hospital was not hitting the national, 92 per cent, target for patients going from referral to treatment in 18 weeks.

The extra work has also meant a financial boost for the specialist hospital, which saw a £400,000 surplus in June.

The Oswestry hospital's trust board met yesterday to hear a number of special reports in the wake of the hospital being called in by the watchdog group, Monitor after targets were not met. Director of nursing, Jayne Downey, said all activity targets were not ahead of plan thanks to additional clinics and theatre sessions.

She said: "During June 97.5 per cent of available theatre time was used and 39 surgical cases were carried out in the private sector to support the waiting list clearance plans." But she warned that the hospital must not become complacent.

She added: "Forward planning to maintain referral to treatment performance will be vital during the summer months as historically throughput is impacted by increased leave during the summer months."

Chief executive, Wendy Farrington Chadd, said: "We are pleased with our performance and over all we are in a good place. Our goal is to be the leading centre for high quality orthopaedic and related care, achieving excellent in experience and outcome for our patients."

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Steve Wright said his only worry about increased levels of activity was physical capacity, despite the new operation theatres under construction.

"Even with 10 theatres there comes a time when there is no more physical capacity. The hospital is particularly pushed with upper limb surgery," he said.

"There is of course the question of Sunday working, which is something that is being discussed nationally."