CCGS insist ‘we want to know your views before any decision’
THE future of both Leek and Cheadle hospitals are to be the topic of public meetings to be held over the coming few weeks.
Local NHS organisations, North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-trent Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGS), are hosting the events to give people the chance to discuss the proposed changes on which they are consulting.
These changes include communitybased services in Newcastle-underlyme, Stoke-on-trent and Staffordshire Moorlands; Community hospital beds available for rehabilitation and some of the consultant-led outpatients clinics such as outpatients appointments for skin conditions.
The proposals the CCGS are consulting on are based on a new model of care that aims to deliver joined-up services with care closer to home and people at the heart of how services are delivered.
By investing in community-based integrated care the need for community hospital beds could be reduced.
The Leek meeting will take place on Thursday, January 24, at St Edward’s Church of England Academy in Westwood Road.
The Cheadle meeting will be held on Monday, February 25, at The Manor Hotel at Watt Place.
The events will be a workshop where participants can find out more about the consultation and why change is needed, give their views on key questions and add their voice to consultation feedback.
One proposal put forward could see the Leek Moorlands Hospital becoming a community hub facility for the Moorlands by either rebuilding the premises or refurbishing it.
Marcus Warnes, accountable officer for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-trent CCGS said: “Our proposed new model of care aims to join together key services in the community through integrated care hubs, meaning that people will be able to access the services they need in one place without the need to go to hospital unless really necessary.
“We believe the suggested model of care and options in this consultation will help us offer safe, high quality services close to where people live.
“By having a say you will be helping us decide how to deliver services that may affect you, your family, friends or people you care for.
“No decisions have been made – we want to know your views before we make any decisions.”
All events start at 7pm and finish at 9pm with doors opening at 6.30pm for registration.
To book visit Eventbrite (www. eventbrite.co.uk) and search for ‘Future of Local Health Services’ or use the direct link below.
Alternatively, you can call 01782 298002 or email consultation.northstaffsstoke@ nhs.net
The consultation will last for 14 weeks, finishing on Sunday, March 17, 2019.