Herefordshire Council will refer the decision to temporarily close minor injury units in Herefordshire over the last three winters without consultation to the health secretary Matt Hancock.
Councillors unanimously backed the motion by Ross-on-Wye East councillor Paul Symonds at this month’s full council meeting.
He said councillors had not been consulted on the changes to service which affects the community hospitals in Ross and Leominster and is not satisfied with the reasons given by the Trust not to consult.
“It is unfortunate to be in this position, but I’m glad Herefordshire Councillors unanimously supported my motion,” coun Symonds said.
“I hope this means that once coronavirus is under control, Matt Hancock’s intervention will ensure effective dialogue between Wye Valley NHS Trust, CCG, Herefordshire Council and other key stakeholders like GPs on the future of MIUs and other key local health services. Health bosses say the decision was not taken lightly but that it ensured valuable nursing resources are available to support the county hospital’s emergency department where they are needed the most.
A spokesperson said: “The emergency department saw 60,560 patients in the past 12 months, an increase of 5,000 compared to a year ago. The temporary change was made under specific regulations because of a risk to the safety of patients in light of these pressures. The decision was taken by Wye Valley NHS Trust, in conjunction with NHS Herefordshire CCG, and with the oversight of Herefordshire’s Accident and Emergency Delivery Board. We recognise the importance and value in considering the views of patients and our partners before making any significant changes to services. It is important therefore to emphasise that no permanent changes to any of the MIUs would take place before a thorough and extensive public consultation.”
Article originally appeared on Hereford Times
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