Futures Forum: Health and politics in East Devon
One issue which has been vexing the District is whether the closure of community hospitals has been 'weaponised':
Hugo Swire | Conservative MP for East Devon
Hugo Swire (@HugoSwire) on Twitter
Here is the full page of letters debating the issue:
Sidmouth and Ottery breaking news and sport - Sidmouth Herald
But in his latest tweets on community hospitals, the East Devon MP also pointed to promises being made from central government, as reported in the Mail:
Health Secretary promises to end cull of community hospitals so more patients can undergo minor procedures such as scans and X-rays closer to their homes
- Health Secretary Matt Hancock said more patients should be cared for locally
- Community hospitals are facing cuts across Britain as departments are moved
- It comes after Mr Hancock revealed he is dyslexic and relies on spellchecks
Matt Hancock has promised to end the closure of Britain's community hospitals
The Health Secretary has promised to end the closure of community hospitals to ensure patients can be treated near their homes.
Matt Hancock said it was time to end the era of moving medical departments to large regional hospitals while smaller ones were closed.
He wants more patients to be cared for locally, particularly for routine procedures such as scans, physiotherapy and treatment for minor injuries.
Set up 150 years ago as cottage hospitals with just a few beds, Britain now has around 500 community hospitals that provide a broad range of services for local patients, including end-of-life care, rehabilitation for the elderly, scans, X-rays and minor injury units.
But NHS cuts mean dozens are facing closure across the country, including in Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Cumbria, Leicestershire, Devon and Dorset.
Health Secretary promises to end cull of community hospitals | Daily Mail Online
Also playing in East Devon: Alan Bennett's latest play on the NHS and community hospitals was shown in Sidmouth this week:
Allelujah review, Bridge Theatre: Alan Bennett's hospital drama is just what the doctor ordered
Alan Bennett sets new play in a Yorkshire hospital facing closure | Stage | The Guardian
National Theatre Live: People by Alan Bennett trailer, in cinemas 20 & 21 April - YouTube
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