Three years ago, the South West Vascular Network (SWVN) developed an interim strategy to align our vision for the work programme ahead. Since then, the SWVN has significantly progressed, achieving each milestone set out with success.
 
To accelerate the momentum in our new state of network maturity, we leveraged those wins and extensive clinical engagement to codesign and agree a new five year strategy for 2019-24.
 
This sets our agreed course of focus and objectives, which are great in number and broad in region and scope.

This strategy builds what we have achieved this year, including:

• • Agreed vascular pathways and processes across South West London providers;
  • Extensive engagement and education across vascular pathways for GPs and primary care;
  • Strengthened relationships with local providers;
  • Greater links and working between South West London and Surrey;
  • Robust network governance.

Our strong network arrangements have resulted in great impact to patient care across the region, backed by data and anecdotal evidence by clinical stakeholders regarding changed practice.
 
 
We have been recognised as a national leader and exemplar in abdominal aortic aneurysm by the national Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme.
 
Our impressive referral to treatment times within the stated guidelines - 94 per cent versus an England average of ~50 per cent - means faster decision-making, diagnostics, and treatment for patients, resulting in better outcomes.
 
We are also recognised as a national leader in the provision of complex thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aortic surgery for aneurysm and dissection.

We will now turn our focus to the work mapped in our 2019-24 strategy, which spans quality, workforce, finance, research, operations, and infrastructure.
 
By addressing these areas, we create a comprehensive solution to vascular care for the region, keeping patients in the centre of their care, for safe, seamless, excellent outcomes.

For any queries relating to the network, please contact Gillian Selman, South London Vascular Network Project Manager.