‘We can help Addenbrooke’s and they can help us’, says MP following special measures ruling

Bedford Hospital could help ease the bed shortage at Addenbrooke’s, which has led to routine operations being frequently cancelled and was criticised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

In a ‘you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours’ arrangement, Bedford Hospital could benefit from the specialist services on offer and in return could help ease the pressures that Addenbrooke’s is facing.

Mr Fuller said: “Addenbrooke’s themselves should be seriously considering how they can work with hospitals like Bedford to alleviate some of the pressure on their own hospital beds.

“There is an opportunity for Addenbrooke’s to strengthen their links with Bedford to benefit them and to benefit us.”

Staff shortages and pressures on services were highlighted by the CQC, which rated Addenbrooke’s inadequate leading to it being placed in special measures.

Mr Fuller has previously championed Bedford Hospital formally linking with the world renowned teaching hospital where many of Bedford’s cancer patients already receive treatment.

“The logic of a tie up given the pressure Addenbrooke’s is under is even stronger,” he said today.

“I think we can take another step forward in the alliance.”

He said the deal could see specialist care being delivered to Bedford people on their doorstep at the local hospital, similar to how Moorfields Eye Centre is run at Bedford Hospital.

Mr Fuller is due to soon meet with Bedford Hospital chief executive Stephen Conroy when he will be discussing the possibility of a partnership.

>To read our report on the CQC’s findings at Attenbrooke’s click here

>To read the full CQC report click here