Issue - meetings

A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.

Note: in order for officers to undertake any background research, it would be helpful if members of the public notified the Scrutiny officer listed at the foot of the agenda at least one working day before the meeting with brief details of the matter to be covered.

Judie Collins addressed the Committee in relation to future healthcare provision in Knutsford.  She referred to engagement methods concerning the new proposals; the closure of Bexton Court and the availability of alternative respite facilities.  She mentioned transport issues and availability of services in Knutsford.  She queried out of hours provision and asked when the East Cheshire Hospital Trust would begin a process of public engagement on Foundation Trust status.

Charlotte Peters Rock addressed the Committee in relation to the proposals for Knutsford.  She referred to an amended version of the report by Andy Bacon, Programme Director for the Knutsford Integrated Health and Wellbeing Centre, which she had produced and circulated to all members of the Committee.    She commended her version of the document.  She queried the membership of the Committee.  She also commented that it appeared that only Cheshire East Council was being consulted on the proposals for Knutsford whereas she believed that many residents of Cheshire West and Chester Council also looked to Knutsford for health and social care services. 

Mabel Taylor addressed the Committee also in relation to the proposals for Knutsford.  She referred to the consultation process in relation to earlier changes to provision of services in Knutsford – specifically Stanley Centre and Stanley House and also Bexton Court.  She felt that local people had already made their views clear in the Autumn 2011 Knutsford Town Council survey and the Knutsford Town Plan.  She referred to imminent changes in the NHS and queried the timing of the changes proposed.  She referred to the application for Foundation Trust status currently underway at the East Cheshire Hospital Trust and the implications if Foundation Trust status was not achieved.  She commented that the consultation on the Knutsford project must be wide ranging and comprehensive.