Consultation about to end

Public consultation over Newark’s Healthcare Review ends at noon tomorrow.

As of Tuesday lunchtime, 1,324 comments and questions had been received and 624 consultation forms had been returned, 500 of which were completed via telephone interview.

The data will be analysed and externally verified and presented to the board of the PCT, NHS Nottinghamshire County, on May 27.

The final options for the future of Newark’s healthcare will be presented to the board on July 29.

News of the review was first reported by the Advertiser a year ago.

It was billed as one of the biggest reviews of health services in the town in the 60-year history of the NHS.

A team led by NHS Nottinghamshire County involving various health authorities and other public bodies, such as the county and district councils, was set up to oversee the process.

Meetings were held with patients’ groups, stalls were organised at Newark market, and an open meeting was held at the Town Hall prior to the 90-day public consultation.

The proposals for future healthcare in Newark were revealed at the end of November, a week before the start of the consultation.

The main focus was the two options put forward for accident and emergency care at Newark Hospital. These were a 24-hour unit or a unit open from 7am to midnight.

Several petitions were set up to oppose the proposals for A & E, with many people fearful of losing services altogether.

The first public meeting after the start of the consultation was hosted by the MP for Newark, Mr Patrick Mercer, at the Town Hall.

About 150 people attended and raised concerns over transport and ambulance provision — the two issues that remained at the forefront of debates throughout.

The PCT organised three of its own meetings, at Newark Showground, the Aura Centre on Manners Road, Newark, and at Balderton Village Centre.

Further market stalls were also organised.