REDDITCH MP Karen Lumley has urged residents to have their say on the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) for Hereford and Worcestershire NHS.
The Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) includes aims for financially sound services with an increased focus on community care, however it also envisages a radical change in how NHS services are accessed by patients.
The formal consultation is a chance for Redditch residents to make their voices heard on the far reaching, five year plan. The plan will have a number of impacts on Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital including:
• Solving the funding gap across Hereford and Worcestershire by 2021 – which is likely to hit £61million.
• 145 less hospital beds across Worcestershire by 2021.
• Retention of Accident and Emergency services at the Alex.
• The reduction of physical access points to urgent care services across the two counties.
• The possibility of ‘joined up transport planning’ to overcome difficulties patients have accessing services.
• More care within homes and the community rather than in hospitals.
“It is absolutely vital the people of Redditch have their voice heard,” said Mrs Lumley.
“We should be clear that planned transformations will deliver better and accessible services and that the STP has to mean the best deal for Redditch.
“I have listened to the many concerns my constituents have raised and I recently received excellent care at the Alex.
“This is why it’s so important to take part in the consultation.”
Health chiefs have made plain that services cannot continue at their present level – if they do there will be a £229million gap in their budget.
Even after economies, it is likely that after five years there will still be a £61million hole in finances.
Sarah Dugan, who is leading the STP locally said: “Overall the services we provide are good, but we do face some significant local challenges now and into the future and it is important that we address these together, as a health and care system with the support of local people.
“We are clear we will have to make some difficult decisions about how we provide and access care but with the help of our patients and communities we also think we can do lots of things better and increase efficiency as a consequence.”
To access the plans visit http://www.hacw.nhs.uk/yourconversation/
