by Alan Quick

CREDITON Hospital’s League of Friends says it is "very anxious" about the future of Crediton Hospital now that community beds in the hospital and other nearby community hospitals have gone.

The League of Friends has written to Devon County Council and asks for written assurances from the council that it will act in the interests of the residents of Crediton and its rural catchment area.

Eight members of the League committee, including chairman Mary Collins, vice-chairman Judi Binks, secretary Sue Read, treasurer Michele Baxendale-Nichols, and members Dr Christopher Maycock, Dr John Boyle, Dr Gretel Loten and John Higgs, have written the open letter.

It reads: "We note with dismay the recent decision by a majority of one vote of Devon County Council’s Scrutiny Committee not to refer the question of community hospital beds in Crediton and other parts of Devon, given the closure of Okehampton hospital beds.

"We are disappointed that voting on an NHS issue was along political party lines and wish that a free vote had been allowed on such an important national matter.

"Sadly, our rural area has lost three community hospitals with beds in the last five years - Crediton, Moretonhampstead and Okehampton.

"Although there has been a slight increase in staffing, the winter months might bring a ’flu epidemic which will put severe strain on the Acute Services team, given there is currently no Step Down provision in place with Royal Devon and Exeter.

"Rural communities are at greater risk because of the longer travelling distances involved for patients and health and care professionals, all of which increases the need for DCC to improve its Care package provision so as to relieve bed blocking by patients and deliver full care to recovering patients in their homes.

"This is particularly significant given the demography of our rural areas with above average numbers of 60+ residents with complex needs.

"To this end, we ask you to put pressure on RD and E to clarify the situation on how they plan to deliver a full health care service to Crediton and rural communities.

INVITATION

"Please would you write back to us with your findings within the next month and we invite you to attend our next meeting on Thursday, November 30 at 7pm in the Markby Room at Crediton Hospital? Thank you.

"We look forward to an early response to our concerns and an early written confirmation that you can attend our next meeting."

The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust runs outpatient services in Crediton.

It said it was looking forward to engaging with Crediton’s community in the coming months.

Nick Way, the County Councillor for Crediton, commented: “I am pleased that the League of Friends has raised this issue seeking reassurances concerning the future of our community hospital.

“I welcome this as one of the councillors who opposed and spoke against this recent decision by Devon County Council’s Health and Well-being Scrutiny committee not to refer the question concerning community hospital service cuts back to the Secretary of State for his re-examination.

“I understand that Devon County Council will be responding to the League’s letter in the next few days.”

The League of Friends confirmed that it has sent the letter to, in addition to Devon County Council officers and senior staff, MP Mel Stride, local and regional press, Crediton Town Council and local parish councils and Mid Devon District Council.

Mid Devon District Councillor Mrs Judi Binks, the Friends vice-chairman, said that she had written to Mel Stride personally about her concerns regarding the future of Crediton Hospital.

She pointed out that it was unacceptable that no consultation meetings had been held in the town concerning community hospitals.

• Are you concerned about the future of Crediton Hospital?

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