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'Pressure' on sick children
Sophie Goodchild, Health Editor08.12.08
SERIOUSLY ill children from Great Ormond Street face being sent nearly 150 miles away for surgery to meet government targets.
A national shortage of back surgeons is being blamed for the fact that the leading hospital is struggling to perform operations within the 18-week time limit, and has had to offer 20 families the option of treatment in Sheffield. Three families are considering this, according to hospital board papers.
The Royal College of Surgeons warned that young children would be placed under "even greater pressure" by being forced to travel to Sheffield.
Great Ormond Street is in the process of recruiting an extra back specialist but has admitted that this could take several months.
Reader views (2)
Another bit of non news. So what? Dont you want these kids to get better?
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke
Do they want to get better or not? A more positive attitude to the treatment being offered might help these "moaning Minnies" recover quicker.
- Keith, Kings Cross, London, UK
