“Since the Trust took over the management of Shotley Bridge Community Hospital in 2002, we’ve maintained the same range of service there for the people of Derwentside.
“More than 100,000 visits were made to the hospital last year, for outpatient appointments in more than a dozen specialties, diagnostic x-rays and ultrasounds, and to receive other treatments and care in one of our 45 inpatient beds.
“Earlier this year, we raised concerns about continuing to offer day surgery at Shotley Bridge. This is why we are pleased to be working with the Primary Care Trust,the County and the District Councils on this fresh look at how Shotley Bridge Hospital can continue to serve local people.
“Our priorities remain the same. As modern healthcare changes, alongside the health needs of local communities, we want to make sure that people get the treatment they need, when they need it, and in the place that means they’ll get the most appropriate and safe care.”
John Saxby
Chief Executive
posted by derwentside district council @ 10:24 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
John Saxby writes, “Our priorities remain the same. As modern healthcare changes, alongside the health needs of local communities, we want to make sure that people get the treatment they need, when they need it, and in the place that means they’ll get the most appropriate and safe care.”
There's a very important word missing here. The word is "convenient". Care that is appropriate and safe but geographically remote is care that won't be taken up by those for whom travel is difficult or too expensive.
Please, Mr Saxby, work for the good of the people of Derwentside (and further afield) - keep Shotley Bridge Hospital as it is or improve upon its services.
As a community, we are only getting bigger - not smaller. We need Shotley Bridge Hospital and the services it provides. Put your 'people hat' on and remove the 'accountants'. We pay our taxes like everyone else.
Deja vu! Look what happened with South Moor Hospital. The men and women in 'suits or mini skirts and hairbands' decided it should close. After a strong resistance from the community it was given a stay of execution several times... in my opinion "just to temporarily appease the people". It has now eventually closed as planned because of some 'cock and bull' story about not enough patients and shortage of staff. Like Shotley Bridge Community Hospital it was a vibrant, valuable and well used resource... run by staff who were dedicated to their work until the 'must do as I'm told to keep my job' brigade got their own way! History is repeating itself with the usual 'consultations' and efforts to be seen to be 'listening to the peoples views'...this all patronising,time consuming and money making(time in lieu taken or overtime payments)for those who are feigning an 'I really care' attitude. Just get on with the inevitable and reduce the costs but more importantly the distress to the good but vulnerable folk in Derwentside...we don't deserve it!My last word? "Bah humbug"
Post a Comment
<< Home