LOCAL MP Karen Lumley and Councillor Bill Hartnett, the leader of Redditch borough council and Coun Chris Saint, leader of Stratford district council, have held talks described as ‘positive’ with local health officials.
The trio met last Friday (August 12) with family doctors from Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (R&BCCG) and managers from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust (WAHT).
Among the issues discussed were the temporary closure of paediatric services, the forthcoming consultation around the Future of Acute Services Review and the need to address transport issues for services that have moved to Worcestershire Royal.
There were also talks on a public meeting that Mrs Lumley and Councillor Hartnett will co-chair focusing primarily on in-patient services for children moving to Worcester from the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.
The Alex closes its doors to new child in-patients on September 5 with the public meeting with health chiefs set for Wednesday, September 28 from 7pm to 9pm at Redditch Town Hall.
It was also agreed representatives from R&BCCG and WAHT would attend Redditch Borough Council’s Health Commission so the Council could respond to the forthcoming consultation around the Future of Acute Services Review.
“It was a very good meeting. It was decided there would be senior management and consultants present from the Trust as well as the chair and chief executive from Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group, so the people of Redditch can not only listen to what has happened but also question the people making the decisions.”
Coun Hartnett added: “I reminded the meeting that the Council’s view is to look towards Birmingham. However, if we are constrained to Worcestershire I made it clear there is the need to greatly improve the transport links between The Alex and Worcestershire Royal.
“Whilst the talks were constructive, I still remain disappointed with the temporary withdrawal of maternity and paediatrics and would urge residents to take advantage of the council’s health commission which will enable the council to respond to the consultation.”
