HEALTH bosses have been hosting public events across Devon, including Crediton, to give interested people the opportunity to find out about proposals to change and improve the way care for the elderly is provided.

“Your Future Care” is a proposal by NHS Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NHS NEW Devon CCG) to provide care and support at home and in the community for the elderly and frail, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and supporting a faster return home when hospital is needed.

It would reduce the need for community hospital beds in the Eastern locality of East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon and parts of West Devon, and a public consultation is underway looking at where the remaining beds should be located.

Other services provided at community hospitals are not part of the consultation.

Health service commissioners are keen to hear what people across the county think about an integrated model of care, where the various providers of services work together to promote the health and well-being of residents.

It is hoped as many people as possible will call in to the roadshow events where they can gather information, talk to managers and clinicians and share their views.

The Crediton event was held in the Boniface Centre on Tuesday, December 20 and the consultation closed on Friday, January 6.

Alan Quick