Thursday, 2nd June 2011
The process to designate future NHS services for adults with congenital heart disease (GUCH services) in England is underway. The NHS will be working closely with GUCH patients, clinical staff and other relevant stakeholders to develop proposals to consult the public on the future of GUCH services.
GUCH advisory group
The NHS is convening a GUCH advisory group to oversee this process. The GUCH advisory group will include GUCH patients, clinicians, representatives from professional associations and will be chaired by Professor Roger Boyle CBE, the National Director for Heart Disease and Stroke. The GUCH advisory group will oversee the development of a process to assess potential GUCH centres, oversee the development of plans for public consultation and advise on implementing any potential changes to GUCH services. The NHS recognises the importance of effective transition arrangements between children’s congenital heart services and GUCH services. The GUCH advisory group will therefore take account of emerging findings from the separate Safe and Sustainable process.
Developing national quality standards for GUCH services
The first task for the GUCH advisory group is the development of national quality standards. The NHS will work with GUCH patients, clinicians and others to develop standards which would set the bar for all hospitals wishing to provide high quality GUCH services in the future. The standards will include an appropriate model of care for the service as well as minimum surgical procedure numbers and staffing levels. The NHS will take account of the initial GUCH standards that were published in 2009 under the management of East of England Specialised Commissioning Group. It is planned that the group will hold its first meeting in July 2011. Details of membership and terms of reference will be published shortly.
Engaging the public
The NHS will seek views on the draft national quality standards from GUCH patients, clinicians, relevant stakeholders and other interested parties later in 2011. We will publicise new information about the process on the NHS Specialised Services website and highlight ways in which people can contribute their comments and suggestions.
For more information on the process and terms of reference click here.
