Agreed changes start in autumn

NHS Nottinghamshire County’s consultation on its proposed changes to Newark’s healthcare services ran from November 30 to March 6.

The reasons given for the changes were to ensure services met national standards, to take into account national NHS plans for specialist heart, stroke and major trauma centres, to deal with an expected population growth, and to tackle health inequalities.

Although the review focussed on four areas — primary care, planned care, mental health services for older people, and urgent care — it was the proposals for Newark’s A & E that caused most controversy.

Many expressed anger about the proposal to reclassify the department as a minor injuries unit “plus”, with potentially restricted hours.

Residents were told Newark could not have a fully-functioning A & E because it did not meet national clinical guidance, which requires an intensive care unit, 24-hour anaesthetic cover, access to major surgical facilities and enough patients for doctors to maintain their medical skills.

The PCT had to meet a legal requirement to consult the public before making any changes to healthcare.

A report on the consultation will go to the PCT’s board meeting on Thursday at the Welbeck Banqueting Hall, West Bridgford, before a decision on the proposed options is made on June 17.

The agreed plans will be implemented from autumn.