We know you may have seen recent news stories reporting on the financial situation here at Liverpool Women's Hospital. We also know that, given the strength of feeling and attachment many of our patients have with the hospital, you may have felt uneasy as to what the future holds.
We would like to first reassure you that there is no threat to the quality and safety of the services we provide here - quite the contrary. At Liverpool Women's, we always put patients first and invest in the best people, the best facilities and the best resources. For example, we have recently recruited additional midwives and nurses meaning we now offer one of the best midwife to patient ratios in the country. Please be reassured that you are, and always will be, our first priority.
It is true, the Trust had a financial deficit at the end of the last financial year and we predict that we will have a larger deficit at the end of this financial year. There are many organisations within the NHS that are in a similar position, but we are working towards developing new ways of providing services in the changing face of our National Health Service.
As the needs of the population change, so too must the NHS adapt to guarantee that care is always of the highest quality, the highest levels of safety, and always free at the point of delivery.
In its 200 year history, Liverpool's women's health services have undergone changes and developments, because the needs of women have changed and developed. We are working with our senior doctors, midwives and nurses to develop plans for the future generations of women's services in Liverpool. This is known as our 'Future Generations Project' which you will hear lots more about over the coming months when we will be actively seeking input from patients and their families.
Future Generations is something we are very excited about, and we would encourage you to take part in the discussions and activities we will be rolling out in the next few months. We have here today, a once in a generation opportunity to shape the Liverpool Women's of tomorrow; ensuring that future generations of women, their babies and their families are cared for and supported by staff members of Liverpool Women's Hospital.
To keep up to up-to-date with developments of Future Generations, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. We will be publishing regular updates as well as asking for your thoughts and opinions on the future of the care we deliver over the summer months.
You can also sign up to become a member or governor of Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Please click here for more information.
Again, we would like to reassure you that there is no threat to your services here at Liverpool Women's. However, if you do have any concerns or would like to give us any feedback as the quality and safety of your care, please contact our Patient Advice Liaison Service at Pals@lwh.nhs.uk or by calling 0151 708 9988.
Yours Faithfully,
Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive Officer