Consultation on the proposal to relocate Echocardiology Services in Lincolnshire
The majority of echocardiology services in Lincolnshire are provided by United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals Trust (ULHT), with the remaining services delivered by other NHS Trusts or In-Health, an Independent Service Provider (ISP).
Currently, echocardiology services are available at Marsico Practice in Mablethorpe and Johnson Community Hospital in Spalding. Marsico offers echocardiograms (ECHO) only, while Johnson Community Hospital provides ECHO, MRI scans, and NOUS (a type of ultrasound unrelated to pregnancy).
NHS Lincolnshire has recently expanded its diagnostic capacity with three new Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) in Grantham, Lincoln, and Skegness, all of which are now operational.
Key challenges
Having two providers in the area leads to some challenges:
- Inequity in service access: ULHT and In-Health have separate triage systems and waiting lists, leading to longer wait times for some patients and potential delays in treatment.
- Inconsistent referral pathways: The referral processes differ between the two providers, causing confusion, delays, and unequal patient experiences.
Proposed changes: A ‘Lead Provider’ model
NHS Lincolnshire is moving towards a ‘Lead Provider’ model, with ULHT as the lead. This change means:
- Patients who currently visit Marsico Practice in Mablethorpe for ECHO may be directed to Skegness CDC or another preferred location.
- Patients who attend Johnson Community Hospital for ECHO, MRI, or NOUS could choose Pilgrim Hospital in Boston or another location.
Patients can also opt to go to providers in Cambridgeshire or Norfolk.
Benefits of these changes
The proposed changes aim to:
- Improve patient experience by reducing duplication and confusion in referral routes.
- Make services more accessible and equitable.
- Shorten waiting times and make better use of existing CDC services.
- Save money and improve the efficiency of the system.
Share your views
We want to hear from you before any final decisions are made. Please complete our survey to share your thoughts, whether or not you’ve used these services before. Your input is vital for shaping the future of local health services.
Engagement
Help us shape the future of local health services in Lincolnshire by sharing your views on proposed changes to echocardiology care and diagnostic services.
Complete our survey