... A FORUM TO STIMULATE DEBATE ... ... JUST ADD A COMMENT AT ANY ENTRY BELOW... ... FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOWN AND VALLEY ...

Saturday 3 January 2015

Meeting to consider health proposals for East Devon: 7pm Weds 14th January: booking essential

There has been considerable concern expressed by politicians and the public about proposed changes to health provision - especially 'what to do about hospitals' - in East Devon.

These are the proposals:
Eastern Locality commissioning intentions

The County Council's health and wellbeing scrutiny committee discussed the consultation plans in September. Here is a very informative discussion on the proposed changes in the comments at Cllr Claire Wright's blog:
Health scrutiny committee requests financial case for community hospital bed losses - Claire Wright


The October meeting of the District Council's scrutiny committee was very critical of the proposals:


RECOMMENDED
1: that anger be expressed at the apparent changes already being made to local hospitals, namely Axminster, Seaton and Ottery St Mary hospitals, despite the consultation process still being underway;
2: that more regard should be paid to the costs, burdens imposed, and time taken to travel and support patients either in their own homes or in fewer in-patient community hospitals;
3: that the New Devon CCG be asked to consider not only the retention of the current in-patient bed provision, but should look to the future expansion of each hospital, in light of the growing pressure on the RD&E and it being unable safely to discharge patients in a timely manner;
4: that there should be improved communication between the providers and commissioners of health services in order to benefit the local community;
5: that the provision of Minor Injury Units in the proposal be reconsidered in light of the considerable needs of certain communities in busy tourism periods and the growing pressure on the RD&E;
6: that the providers and commissioners of the local health services take an active role in the formulation of the council’s Local Plan in order to better understand the need of a growing population, particularly in the growing towns in the area.


Overview and Scrutiny Committee minutes for 16 October 2014 - NHS consultation members briefing notes - East Devon District Council


There was a public meeting in Sidmouth in November - again, with considerable comment:
Futures Forum: Health services in Sidmouth: meeting Tues 11th November
Futures Forum: The future of health services in East Devon... "challenged health economies"
Futures Forum: The future of health services in Sidmouth... "The MIU closure is not about cash, but about the provider not being able to deliver."


Probably in view of all of these concerns, the consultation process has been extended and there will be a meeting at the District Council's main chamber at 7pm on Weds 14th January:


NHS bosses extend public consultation over controversial Devon hospital beds closure proposals

By Exeter Express and Echo | Posted: December 29, 2014


The meeting, at 7pm, will be held in public, but is not a public meeting meaning that members of the public will be invited to attend and observe only.

There is limited space and anyone wanting to attend is required to book a place by phoning 01392 356102.

Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and will be limited to 14 places for each of the five towns; Honiton, Axminster, Seaton, Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary.

More information about the proposals for the Eastern locality can be found on the CCG’s website, www.newdevonccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/get-involved/community-services/eastern-locality-commissioning-intentions/101251

To contribute to the consultation email, d-ccg.easternlocality@nhs.net or write to the NEW Devon CCG, Eastern Locality, Newcourt House, Old Rydon Lane, Exeter, EX2 7JU.


NHS bosses extend public consultation over controversial Devon hospital beds closure proposals | Exeter Express and Echo
NHS bosses extend public consultation over controversial East Devon hospital bed closure plans- Claire Wright


This is the story from the Herald:


Stakeholders to voice out on Sidmouth hospital plans

09:45 02 January 2015

The creation of a ‘local stakeholder group’ to work alongside healthcare bosses will be top of the agenda at a meeting on the future of East Devon’s community hospitals in Sidmouth later this month.

The newly formed group will then play a part in the Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) ‘transforming community services’ consultation.

The proposals outline the CCG’s vision for future healthcare across East Devon, but would see the newly refurbished minor injuries unit at Sidmouth Victoria Hospital close.

This comes after the CCG recently announced a six-week extension to the consultation, which will now run until February 15.

A commissioning group spokesperson said: “[The meeting] will focus on forming a local stakeholder group, who will work with the CCG as part of the extended consultation, to hear further information before any long-term decision is made about the future of community hospitals and services.”

The meeting, at Knowle on Wednesday, January 14, will include county councillors from across East Devon as well as representatives from each hospital’s league of friends.

Members of the public are invited to attend as observers but will not be able to contribute. Places for the meeting, which starts at 7pm, can be booked by calling Stacey Avery on 01392 356102.

No comments: