Meeting debates response

Published on 24th May 2007 in News

Plans which could see improved facilities at Goole Hospital were due to be discussed at a public meeting yesterday (Wednesday).

Up for discussion was the public's response to the East Riding Primary Care Trust (PCT)'s plans for a shake-up of the system which would allow more people with acute illnesses to be treated in the community rather than in hospital.

Originally, the public were presented with four options, three of which included providing Level Two services - such as specialist diagnostic tests and chemotherapy treatment - at Goole Hospital while improving community services.

However, this would mean moving beds from other parts of the East Riding and campaigners have protested fiercely.

More than 3,500 responses have been received by the PCT, who say that this has led to several issues being identified for further consideration.

The recommendations presented to them include rejecting proposals to centralise some community health services solely at Bridlington and/or Goole hospitals.

The board will be recommended, as a minimum, to support enhanced services in Bridlington, Goole and Beverley, including the provision of NHS community beds.

The extra options acknowledge the support shown for the investment in community services to provide 24-hour access to managed and urgent care in community settings, and for more elective and diagnostic services to be delivered closer to people's homes.

Claire Wood, interim chief executive of the PCT, said: "The public has shown through their response to the consultation that they value their local community services and want to see more NHS beds provided to support a wider range of community services delivered in the future."

The PCT's board meeting was due to take place yesterday at 9.30am in the main hall at Brough Community Centre.

A copy of the consultation document can be found at www.erypct.nhs.uk