Listen to the people
The people of Newark have left health bosses in no doubt that they want round-the-clock emergency care at Newark Hospital.
Nearly three-quarters of those who responded to NHS Nottinghamshire County’s 14-week public consultation on the Newark Healthcare Review wanted to keep the town’s emergency unit open 24 hours.
Campaigners and the town’s MP have demanded that NHS decision-makers listen to public opinion.
The MP, Mr Patrick Mercer, said he would hold the trust to the overwhelming support shown for round-the-clock opening.
“It is no good having a consultation with an overwhelming majority saying one thing if the PCT doesn’t listen to that,” he said.
IMPROVED
The chairman of the Save Newark Hospital Campaign, Dr Ian Campbell, said they wanted to see at least 24-hour opening retained, but felt more should be done.
The campaign is working on alternative proposals for an improved A & E department.
People were offered three options by NHS Nottinghamshire County for the future of the department — a minor injuries unit “plus” open 24 hours, a minor injuries unit “plus” open from 7am to midnight, or their own suggestions.
Of the 723 responses to the consultation document, 73% chose option one.
Only 16% supported the reduced hours. The rest gave suggestions for alternative options or did not provide a response.
Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, which runs Newark Hospital, wants a 24-hour unit, but chose an alternative option to the PCT’s proposal.
Both the trust and its governors want an urgent care centre open round-the-clock.
The alternative proposal was supported during the consultation by 4,005 people who signed a petition.
Business cases are now being worked on for both a 24-hour and a reduced hours urgent care model in Newark.
They will include the results of a survey of ambulance provision in the town commissioned after concerns about cover were raised in the consultation.
As well as urgent care, the healthcare review covered planned healthcare, primary care, and mental health services for older people.
NHS Nottinghamshire’s director of communications and engagement, Mr Matt Youdale, said the public response would inform the decision on the future of emergency care.
He said: “We want to ensure that what people have told us is a key factor in the decision that we make.
“If we don’t go along with what the majority of people say we have got to have a good reason for it.”
The PCT’s board will meet at noon on Thursday, June 17, at the Deincourt Hotel, London Road, Newark, to decide on the options.
