A key element of how we will be able to improve the care we can provide our patients is through the review of our clinical pathways. There is significant opportunity to improve patient outcomes and experience through strengthening collaboration across pathways, and as LAASP we can take joint responsibility for an entire patient pathway – improving flow, removing barriers and equity in accessing high quality care.

Over the last few months, the CRG has been working to identify the clinical areas that will be the focus of Phase One of the LAASP Clinical Transformation Programme. At their meeting in June, CRG prioritised the following six services where working together provides the greatest opportunity to positively impact patient care, workforce and resources. Clinical leads from across LAASP have been appointed to take forward the pathways within the programme:

  • Cardiology – Dr John Morris, Consultant Cardiologist and Associate Medical Director for Medicine, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
  • Respiratory – Dr Diana Lees, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital
  • Pain – Dr Chris Whitehead, Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist, and Clinical Director for Pain Medicine, The Walton Centre
  • Spinal – Mr Martin Wilby, Consultant Neurosurgeon, The Walton Centre and Clinical Lead for North West Spinal Network
  • Stroke – Dr Nik Sharma, Consultant in Stroke Medicine and Clinical Director for Stroke, Aintree University Hospital

Women’s services have also been prioritised, however, the work over the next few months will be led by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and will be informed by the outcomes of the Hospital Maternity and Gynaecology Services Review.

What’s next?

Clinical design workshops with senior leads from each of the hospitals involved will be held in September and October, where they will look at the clinical services that are in scope. As with any service or clinical change, consultation will be held, and we will keep colleagues informed as the programme develops.

If you have any questions about clinical transformation and the services that have been prioritised for integration, please email: integration.programme@liverpoolft.nhs.uk.