The shape of NHS services in Dorset for years to come is currently under review by the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group [CCG.]
On Thursday week [25 September] at 2pm, an opportunity arises for patients and the public to hear an outline of the process and to ask questions. The two hour event in the Ocean Room at Weymouth Pavilion will be chaired and moderated by an independent Weymouth patient- Michel Hooper-Immins, Chairman of the Weymouth & Portland Health Network, the CCG’s local patient forum.
“Patients must be at the centre of everything the Dorset NHS undertakes,” says Michel Hooper-Immins “and as a patient representative I am determined that the views of patients will be heard very loudly in this reconfiguration of services. We don’t want cuts in NHS services, we need better organised services in local areas.”
The Clinical Services Review is one of three topics at this public meeting, open to South and West Dorset NHS patients, including Bridport and Dorchester.
With a growing population and financial constraints, how does the local NHS continue to deliver high-quality services? The upcoming Clinical Services Review will consider this question and ensure the local healthcare community is able to continue to provide services that meet local requirements. In order to build a healthcare system for the future, NHS Dorset CCG is reviewing local services to see how these challenges can be solved. Project Lead Jean Eksteen will outline the project on behalf of the CCG and answer questions from the audience.
The controversial Care.data project will be explained by Andrew Chronias from NHS England. This is a national programme where information that healthcare people receive is shared between partners. The analysis is said to help improve care throughout the country. The presentation will update on the project so far, what is happening next and what safeguards will be in place.
Finally, Dr. Karen Kirkham, Weymouth GP and CCG Locality Chair, will talk about the “Better Together” programme, where by working in tandem, health and social care providers can provide better care for the frail elderly and people with multiple long term conditions in local communities.
Dr. Forbes Watson, NHS Dorset CCG Chair said “As a member based public organisation we are committed to keeping local people informed about our plans and ways they can help influence healthcare services that they or their families may use. Every day we hear in the media about the NHS, be it positive, negative and at times speculative, so we would encourage people to come and find out about these three high profile projects first hand and ask any questions that they may have.”
Places for the event are limited. There is no charge and refreshments are provided from 1.30pm. Anyone who is interested in attending should contact Sue Brazier on 01305 368908 or email: [email protected]
Michel Hooper-Immins
