Retired GP to lead new health group

Campaigners are setting up an advisory group to establish what services could and should be developed at Newark Hospital.

A retired Newark GP, Dr Peter Jones, has offered to help the Save Newark Hospital Campaign form the group of local GPs and healthcare professionals.

Dr Jones, who was a GP at Lombard Street Surgeries, is chairman of Beaumond House Community Hospice and a leading figure in a national NHS cancer services improvement partnership.

He said: “I believe that healthcare services in Newark are under threat.

"I am delighted to be able to assist and I hope that I and my colleagues can help guide what services should and could be developed at Newark Hospital.”

NHS Nottinghamshire County say they already have a clinical group of practising GPs and hospital consultants working together to identify what can and cannot be treated at Newark Hospital.

This was set up before the Newark Healthcare Review began.

The primary care trust says 85% of patients will still be treated at Newark Hospital following the changes and expect more non-urgent care to be available in the future.

The PCT's medical director, Dr Doug Black, said: "The review has the full support and engagement of all local GPs and hospital doctors.

"The clinicians led the review and going forward have been working closely together to identify what services will be provided by Newark in light of national, regional and local changes.

"This will include formalising what patients Newark Hospital will treat and care for."