Experts to assess if full healthcare review is needed

The Newark Healthcare Review will again be assessed by an independent panel of experts to see whether a full independent review of the process is warranted.

It is the second time the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) will investigate changes at Newark Hospital, which campaigners say has led to a worse service for residents.

Last year the IRP advised the Health Secretary, Mr Andrew Lansley, not to call a full review, a decision which he upheld.

In recent weeks the MP for Newark, Mr Patrick Mercer, a shadow health minister, Mr Jamie Reed, and members of Nottinghamshire County Council’s health scrutiny committee have all put pressure on Mr Lansley to rethink that decision.

Mr Lansley has now written to the IRP requesting advice on a referral from the county council made nearly four months ago, when it was decided to resubmit the Newark review on the basis that the public had lost confidence in the local NHS.

Councillor Mel Shepherd, vice-chairman of the Nottinghamshire Joint Health Committee and member of the council's social care and health standing committee, said: “Council leaders in Newark told us that public concerns about Newark Hospital could only be resolved through a fully informed independent review.

“The committee has been working hard to secure this and to ensure that all of the evidence that community representatives sent us would be considered."

The IRP will submit its initial assessment on the Newark situation by February 17.

The Say YES to Newark Hospital campaign has until January 27 to offer evidence to back up its claims.

It is calling for anyone who has experienced a worsening service to contact them.