Councillors in Bridlington have launched their own independent survey about hospital services.
It is because they are unhappy with the way a consultation has been done by East Riding Clinical Commissioning Group and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The Councillors say their version means residents can say what REALLY matters to them – NOT – what the organisations want them to say.
Councillor Tim Norman said:
“Your opinions are what really matter on the future of healthcare for Bridlington and the surrounding district. York and Scarborough Trust have plainly stated that they are just not interested in resident’s opinions. They refuse to consult with the local Bridlington population who will be affected by these huge changes at our hospital.”
Councillor Andy Walker continued:
“Local councillors from every Bridlington Ward have joined together. We have produced this very easy to complete, but really important, survey.
“We are not asking for names, ages or any personal information – just what matters to them.”
Jean Wormwell, Chair of the Bridlington Health Forum, said:
“We are in contact with our MP, Sir Greg Knight in the hope that he will intervene. We look forward to hearing from him and from residents in Bridlington, voicing their needs for local hospital healthcare going forward.”
Councillor Mike Heslop-Mullens urged residents to complete the new survey and said:
“We will use resident’s real opinions to challenge the Health Managers who have wasted tax-payer’s money on creating glossy brochures with a sham survey on vague and ambiguous plans.”
Here is a joint statement on behalf of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group:
“The NHS is working in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire council, other NHS organisations and the voluntary and community sector on ambitious plans to invest in and strengthen a preventative, healthy approach. By working together as a system and with the people of the town, this is our opportunity to create a Healthy Bridlington and maximise the opportunities for everyone young and old.
“Many health related specialist services will have to be delivered from an acute (physical and mental health) hospital site for reasons of clinical safety and there are challenges in terms of clinical workforce. We know that Bridlington Hospital is much loved by people and we want to make the best use of this asset too. However, this is just one part of these proposals for a Healthy Bridlington; it is not the sole focus as we want to help people live great lives and keep healthy for longer. Nor is it about recreating the past but building on the present and exploiting new opportunities for the future; for example how can the deployment of digital help bring new solutions and pathways for health and care, including how it is deployed at Bridlington Hospital.
“There are no hidden plans. This conversation is just the start of the journey and we are already receiving feedback from staff, residents and other stakeholders about the opportunities for services within the Hospital as well as wider opportunities to help reduce health inequalities.
“People can read more about the proposed plans by visiting healthybridlington.co.uk. There is also a 5-minute survey available for everyone to give their views by visiting www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/HealthyBridlington2021.
“For those who would prefer a hard copy of the plans and survey, they can contact East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group by telephone on 01482 652156 and leave a message or email ERYCCG.ContactUs@nhs.net”
Article originally appeared on Planet Radio
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