We must look at what’s needed longer term

BRENDA Worrall is right when she points out that many residents have still not received the brochure about the reorganisation of our hospitals and the sale of land at the Leicester General (“Many people are not aware of health plans”, Mailbox, December 2).

Tired of waiting for mine to arrive, I eventually contacted the CCG and copies have now been delivered by post – what has happened to the thousands not yet delivered is anyone’s guess.

The document has the title Building Better Hospitals for the Future. I think a more apt title would be Building for Now as I fail to see how we can achieve ‘“services fit for the 21st century” with this plan.

The increasing number of elderly residents, many with co-morbidities, is recognised but no mention is made of the projected increases in the general population in the city and county.

The Draft Local Plan from the city council is looking 15 years ahead whereas the hospital plans only refer to bed numbers up to 2024 – and yes, I understand it’s not just about bed numbers but if shorter stays in hospital are to be achieved we require the expansion of good community services and this is not part of the plan. There is no money for the suggested GP-led healthcare hub on the site of the General and there is no additional money for increased community services. We must look at what may be needed in the longer term.

I would have liked to see a consultation that included the reorganisation of both hospital and community services that really would be fit for purpose.

We may regret selling off land at the General when we realise the need for future expansion of services.