Changes will see '˜first class network across the south...'

NHS England said having urgent and emergency treatment based at Southampton General Hospital, not at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, will see the development of a ‘first-class network’.

A spokesman said: ‘Following the expert review, it was recommended that concentrating emergency, major and more complex cases at Southampton hospital, with support services available at Portsmouth, Isle of Wight and Winchester, will bring about major benefits for patients.

‘In practice it will create a first-class vascular network across Southern Hampshire, ensuring that there are doctors with the right specialist skills to treat patients 24/7.

‘The majority of patients will continue to be seen at their local hospital by vascular surgeons for their routine treatment.

‘All emergency and major arterial procedures will be provided in Southampton, transported by ambulance where necessary.’

He said there will be extra ward capacity, a new operating theatre, extra specialist nursing teams, and an out-of-hours and weekend vascular surgeon.