DIABETICS in Salisbury are hoping no more of the city’s hospital’s vascular services will move to Bournemouth.

Sue Goodridge, who is the secretary of the Salisbury Voluntary Group of Diabetes UK, said she had been reassured about the changes that started this week with the transfer to Bournemouth of emergency surgery for potentially life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysms.

She said: “At least we know the Salisbury department is not going to close down, but it worries me and quite a few other people as to what happens next.

Mrs Goodridge has been diabetic for 24 years. The 72- year-old said she if she were poorly, she would not want to drive to Bournemouth for treatment. She added: “And the ambulance service is stretched as it is.”

Last week it was announced that emergency operations on abdominal aortic aneurysms, surgery to remove blood clots in the carotid artery (in the neck) and major bypass surgery for blocked leg arteries will all move to Bournemouth.

One of the hospital’s three vascular surgeons will operate in Bournemouth, while the other two remain at Salisbury.

The Salisbury unit currently treats patients with blocked arteries, deep vein thrombosis and aneurysms. Varicose veins, leg ulcers and diabetic foot problems are also assessed and treated.

Altogether it is expected that about 130 patients from Salisbury will be affected each year.

Planned, as opposed to emergency, treatment of aortic aneurysms will move to Bournemouth from April 1, next year.

Other major arterial surgery will move to Bournemouth in a phased programme from the same date.

Once patients have had their surgery in Bournemouth, they will be brought back to Salisbury to recuperate.