Special children's hub to be opened at Pinderfields as part of new plans

Children who need anaesthetics during the evening and at weekends may go to special hubs, including one in Wakefield, rather than other local hospitals.
Pinderfields HospitalPinderfields Hospital
Pinderfields Hospital

The majority of surgery will continue to be delivered locally but three hubs will be created at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Pinderfields for a small number of children.

It is estimated that around one or two children per week needing an emergency operation for a small number of conditions, at night or at a weekend, will no longer be treated in other hospitals.

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They will instead have their surgery at the three hubs where the right staff, with the appropriate skills, will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Over the last three years clinical commissioners and hospital trusts have looked at improving the care of all children needing an emergency operation.

The Joint Committee of Clinical Commissioning Groups has agreed the latest plans for the hubs.

A report says: “New ways of working means the number of children currently likely to be affected by these changes has reduced significantly since the launch of the consultation in October 2016 and this has given staff working in the services more opportunities to improve and enhance their skills.”

Meanwhile, talks are still ongoing to ensure the hubs can deliver all aspects of the service and there are discussions about the best way to transport patients.