The Five Options For Reconfiguration Considered by the Trust

• Status Quo:
• Option 1: Centralise inpatient elective general surgical specialties only:
• Option 2: Main inpatient emergency service at Sandwell Hospital and main inpatient elective service at City Hospital (consultation proposals):
• Option 3: Main inpatient emergency service at Sandwell Hospital and main inpatient elective service plus a 24 hour SAU at City Hospital:
• Option 4: Centralise inpatient elective general surgery and orthopaedics but retain inpatient emergencies at both sites.

City Hospital Supporters point out that the Status Quo and Option 4 both leave fully supported A&E Services at both hospitals and would be acceptable. Option 4 would allow reconfiguration and also guarantee both A&E Departments. We believe that fully supported A&E Departments for both hospitals at least ensure a good emergency service for local people which should be an absolute core requirement of the NHS and this view was expressed in the Yvette Cooper letter reproduced below.