NHS plans to downgrade Cheltenham General A&E need to be formally consulted on say health watchdog

NHS proposals to stop ambulances taking 999 patients to Cheltenham A&E Department between the hours of 8pm-8am would have such a significant impact on people living in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds they should be the subject of a formal consultation.

That is the view of the County's health watchdog committee who decided at a recent meeting that the plans to hold an 'engagement' were not sufficient.

Under plans being put forward by Gloucestershire NHS instead patients from Cheltenham would be taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital between these hours.

Following  a lengthy debate, a majority of members of the Gloucestershire Health and Commmunity Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee backed a proposal by Cllr Klara Sudbury who had argued that because of the impact on access for residents in Cheltenham and the east of the county, the plans should be formally consulted on  rather than be the subject of an informal engagement process.

The current proposals also include moving all children's services except outpatients to Gloucester.

Due to the cost of reprinting,  the committee accepted that the leaflets already printed could be used in the consultation even though they say it is an engagement. The Strategic Health Authority were informed of the HCCOSC decision and have accepted it.

Klara said "These proposals will have a considerable impact on access for Cheltenham residents, particularly those taken to A&E at Gloucester by ambulance. When they are discharged, they will have to find their own way home from Gloucester to Cheltenham during the night. Getting back home by taxi or being picked up by relatives could be much easier if they are taken to Cheltenham General rather than Gloucester. The loss of day case surgery for children will also see increased inconvenience for families during what can be a very stressful time. We seem to be on an inevitable journey of splitting services between the two sites which might help the managers save money and organise service provision but which will have a significant impact on access to health services. It is a deeply sad situation but I would urge everyone to have their say now."

Details of the consultation can be found at http://www.nhsglos.nhs.uk/2013/01/your-nhs-maintaining-high-quality-specialist-hospital-services/