Thirsk: Public meeting over planned hospital changes (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Thirsk: Public meeting over planned hospital changes

12:06pm Wednesday 23rd September 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

HEALTH bosses will hold a public meeting to discuss services for patients with minor injuries - while a local MP has expressed concerns over the provision of rural healthcare. NHS North Yorkshire and York announced a cut in opening hours at the minor injury unit (MIU), at the Lambert Hospital, in Thirsk, earlier this month.

This was followed by a swift U-turn after criticism over a lack of consultation with the public.

Now, Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh has warned of a potential erosion of healthcare services in rural areas.

The Lambert’s MIU is open from 6pm to 8am, but trust bosses say that only "one or two patients per week" use it.

It is proposed to close the MIU - which treats patients with complaints such as sprains, cuts and grazes - overnight.

Managing director Janet Probert said: "Ensuring excellent patient care and safety is paramount.

"As so few patients use the minor injuries service, we feel the best solution is to temporarily close the unit during these hours and re-direct patients to other out-of-hours services, which are better equipped.

"We can then review the service in light of wider work that is being undertaken to review minor injury units across Hambleton and Richmondshire.

"We do, however, want to give local people the opportunity to ask questions before the change is implemented."

Miss McIntosh said: "Delivery of health services in rural areas seems to be coming under increasing pressure.

"If we are not careful, there will be an erosion of health services in areas like Thirsk, Easingwold, Malton and Pickering, depriving patients of access to health services and causing them to travel further for treatment.

"We are extremely fortunate to have such an excellent community hospital, with such committed and dedicated staff, serving the local community."

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, at 5.15pm, in Thirsk town hall.

Councillor Gareth Dadd, chairman of North Yorkshire County Council’s scrutiny of health committee, will attend.

He said: "It is very important that patients in the Thirsk area have access to appropriate out-of-hours services, but we are mindful that these services must be safe and of a high quality.

"The public meeting will give NHS representatives the opportunity to explain the proposal in more detail and give local people the opportunity to voice their questions.

"I would urge anyone with an interest to come along and make themselves heard."

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)