EXMOUTH HOSPITAL - A NAIL IN ITS COFFIN?

Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton community hospitals – is a new NHS pilot project a nail in their coffin?

Exmouth and Budleigh residents are to have the chance to question health chiefs on the effects of the 'hospital ward at home' scheme on the towns' hospitals.

The pilot is designed to support people who have recently left a main hospital in their own homes, rather than in a community hospital or care home.

The service is aimed at adults from the Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Woodbury area who have 'extended care' needs, particularly those with brain damage and dementia.

Now the Exmouth & Area branch of the Senior Council for Devon – the voluntary forum for the over-50s – has organised an open meeting to allow the public to hear more about the scheme. The speakers – from Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, the organisation responsible for Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton hospitals – will be Anne Cameron, head of community acute services, and Brenda O'Meara, area matron.

Branch chairman Yvonne Wardrop said: 'While we welcome new thinking from the NHS about ways of keeping people independent and out of hospital where possible, we are also determined to protect the valuable services that our community hospitals provide. We would hate it if this pilot project proved to be the first nails in their coffins, so it is vital that NHS policymakers understand the strength of feeling in our community.

'That is why there will be plenty of time to ask questions and for further conversation with our guests.' 

The meeting, which is free and open to all, will be held at the Bastin Hall in Elm Grove, Exmouth EX8 1DJ, at 2pm on Monday 20 February. Coffee, tea and cakes will be served.

For more information, contact Diana Budgen on 01395 278152 or email d.budgen@sky.com