12th October 2011

BRIDPORT: Threat to hospital services?

KEY departments at Bridport Community Hospital could be closed in six months time as NHS Dorset reviews its services.

The outpatient clinics, day surgery and radiology department could all be axed as Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust starts to review the way that it delivers a number of services in community hospitals.

With question marks already hanging over the future of the Minor Injuries Unit and the Hughes Mental Health Unit, town and district councillor, Ros Kayes, fears what the future may hold for the hospital.

“Is this the next stage of an attempt to close the community hospital altogether?” she said.

“If so the whole of Bridport will be up in arms. We use our hospital and we need it. With bus services being cut journeys to Dorchester for those without a car it can be a nightmare. It is entirely wrong for Bridport to be suffering the effects of long term financial mismanagement at DCH - millions in debt through foolish property deals and a top heavy management sructure. This is simply unacceptable - and I’m sure the whole community will join in the campaign to stop it.”

Bridport town and Dorset County councillor Karl Wallace says the hospital is receving a lack of support from Dorset County Hospital.

“They have made a commitment initially and now they are walking away from their responsibilities and not taking into account the effects on patients and the public,” he said.

“There are areas of deprivation in Bridport and in the rural areas around the town and we need to keep these local services here for local people.

“Campaigns are already underway to save these services. There will be a petition, which volunteers will be collecting signatures for in Bucky Doo this Saturday, and there may be a public meeting ahead.

“This just goes to show that the coalition policy on health care is not working, it is privatisation through the back door. They are trying to kill off a great institution and I will be taking these concerns to the Health Scrutiny Committee at Dorset County Council.”

A spokesperson from NHS Dorset said that any changes in provision would “meet local health requirements”.

“Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has started to review the way that it delivers a number of services in community hospitals,” they said.

“It currently provides services in six out of the 11 community hospitals in Dorset, which are run by Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. These include outpatient clinics, day surgery and therapies.

“Dorset County Hospital has served a six-month notice period on the existing contract with Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. The two trusts and commissioners (NHS Dorset and the shadow GP Clinical Commissioning Groups) are analysing the full implications for patients, staff and the hospitals.

“Following this review, a new contract will be developed which will reflect any changes in the way services are delivered.

“The review will be fully informed by public and stakeholder involvement and consultation.

“NHS Dorset, who commissions services for the population of Dorset, will ensure that any service changes meet local health requirements, and take people’s views into consideration.”

BRIDPORT: Threat to hospital services?

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