Work Programme
To discuss the Committee’s Work Programme
Minutes:
The Committee considered whether to include an item in the work programme on changes to stroke services at Macclesfield General Hospital. Stroke services were being reorganised by East Cheshire NHS Trust with hyper acute services being transferred to Stockport and Salford. This was going to affect residents in the north of the Borough, residents in Congleton, Holmes Chapel and southern areas of the Borough were linked to the services provided in North Staffordshire.
Members were concerned about the future of Macclesfield General Hospital as services provided there were gradually being reduced. Jacki Wilkes informed the Committee that stroke recovery phase services would still be provided with patients transferring to Macclesfield after hyper acute phase of strokes.
Members also raised issues for the families of patients who would have to travel further with patients. East Cheshire NHS Trust was focused on the best outcomes for patients however the effects on family and friends would be taken into consideration when making decisions about services.
Members stated that it was important that NHS service providers kept them informed of service changes so that they were able to communicate with the press and public when questions were raised.
The Committee considered the rest of the Work Programme.
RESOLVED – That the next meeting of the Committee on 9 January 2014 be held as an informal meeting.