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Local health consultation proves a major letdown

3/ 5/2006

ONE OF the biggest public consultations ever mounted in Eastern Cheshire, which ends at midnight tonight (Wednesday), has received less than 600 responses.

Patients, members of the public and staff were given 13 weeks to take part in Future Healthcare in Eastern Cheshire - which proposed changes to the way health services were delivered locally.

But the debate has failed to capture the imagination of the public and by April 25 just over 550 responses were recorded.

The Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) also held several public meetings, sent out consultation documents and toured the area in a mobile exhibition trailer.

But the associate director of special projects, Debbie Ingleby, insisted they were pleased with the outcome.

"Of course we would welcome as many responses as possible, but we are delighted that more than 550 people took the time to respond," she said.

The final day of the consultation is also the last day for responses to the options which are being consulted on by the PCT.

The launch of the consultation followed a wide-ranging Future Healthcare Project review which looked closely at services provided not just by hospitals, but also those in the community, such as health centres and clinics. It also examined the range of mental health and learning disabilities services.

Chief executive of the Future Healthcare Project, Peter Cubbon, said: "All responses will be fully considered before any decisions are made. Future Healthcare in Eastern Cheshire is about investing in, and enhancing, local health services and providing more care for people with long-term conditions."

Acting chief executive of the PCT, Gary Raphael, now returns to his role as director of finance and performance, while Mr Cubbon moves back into post as chief executive while remaining chief executive of the project. Board members agreed to delegate responsibility for strategic performance management of the next stage of the programme to the Future Healthcare board.

People have until midnight tonight (Wednesday) to have their say by filling in the response form or the full public consultation document, calling the hotline on 01625 508398 or emailing futurehealthcareproject@echeshire-pct.nhs.uk.

There is no decision yet as to who will now sit on the joint committee of PCTs with regards to the Making It Better review.