Commitment to Winchcombe Patients

13.11.2008

Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust today confirmed that patients would continue to have access to high quality local health and social care services when Winchcombe Hospital closes at the end of this year.

Following a community involvement event held in the Spring, the PCT Board agreed to an alternative service model which will see a range of services being provided in Winchcombe both in and close to the patient’s home.

This includes local community beds, a range of outpatient services, a local health and social care team to provide community based care and a minor injuries service.

The PCT is pleased to confirm that Cleeve Nursing Home has been awarded a contract to provide six community beds located within a defined area of the home. There will also be a rehabilitation treatment room and a kitchen assessment unit for use by therapists.

The beds will be staffed by NHS staff with additional support from the community based health and social care team.

Winchcombe Medical Centre are pleased to announce that a minor injuries service is already in place treating patients with injuries such as minor burns and cuts. People who have a minor injury are encouraged to attend during surgery hours.

Winchcombe GPs, PCT staff and developers are in the process of agreeing plans for the expansion of the existing Winchcombe Medical Centre to support the delivery of outpatient services. Interim arrangements are being worked through to provide temporary accommodation. Current options include within or adjacent to the Medical Centre or in the centre of Winchcombe.

Director of Clinical Development at Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, Jill Crook said:

“The PCT, working with local partners, remains totally committed to providing a range of high quality services based on the needs of local people. We would like to thank the local community for playing such an active role in helping us to develop a service model with an emphasis on providing care close to home.”