Commitment to find right solution for local Health Services

02/07/2007

The PCT said today that it remained totally committed to working with local partners in Winchcombe, including local GPs, to develop a service model for the locality which meets the needs of the community.  

This means looking at the health and social care needs of the area as a whole and then identifying the services that are needed, how they work together and what kind of facility or facilities they are provided from.

The Local Steering Group leading the project has acknowledged that the current hospital building is not suitable for refurbishment and there is a need to review how services are provided in the Winchcombe area.

The PCT is committed to strengthening community health services in the local area to reduce the need for overnight stays in hospital and to provide rehabilitation in residents’ homes or as close to home as possible.

In terms of beds, the PCT and the Steering Group have not reached any firm conclusions, but will need to take into account the fact that the majority of patients receiving inpatient care at the current Winchcombe Hospital are residents from outside of Winchcombe.

Any solution must be sustainable in the long term and provide safe, high quality and cost effective inpatient care for local patients. 

The PCT and the Steering Group will also need to make sure that the right outpatient clinics are offered in the right place to meet local health needs and waiting time standards.
This could include outpatient provision in the local area.

Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, Jan Stubbings said:

“We had a full, frank and honest discussion with the Steering Group and we are 100% committed to reaching a consensus with local partners on the best way forward.”

“The service model for the area needs to be sustainable for the future and we must ensure that local people receive safe and high quality care in the most appropriate environment to meet their needs.” 

“We must also ensure that we effectively target our resources to improve the health outcomes of those in most need.”  

Dr Keith Curtis, Senior Partner at Winchcombe Medical Practice said:

“We had a very open discussion at the Steering Group meeting. At times it was challenging, but we agreed to work closely together to develop the right proposals for local health services.”

Jan Stubbings added:

“Full public involvement will be essential in helping us to reach our decisions and assessing the impact of service change on the local community.”