Time is running-out for people in Crowborough to have their say about what should happen about providing maternity services.
There is currently a public consultation called Better Beginnings asking people what should happen to maternity, in-patient children’s services and emergency gynaecology care in East Sussex.
Two of the six options proposed do not include maternity services continuing in Crowborough.
You have until 8th April to give your views, and according to a report going to a meeting on Wednesday, only 50 people from our area have responded so far.
Interview with Richard Hallett and Nus Ghani:
With time running-out, the Friends of Crowborough Hospital and the Conservative Candidate chosen to run for MP for Wealden next year, are urging people to respond to the survey:
Birthing Centre Hallett Ghani (click to listen to the audio)
This is the formal submission by the Friends of Crowborough Hospital (referred to in the above interview):
Role of Clinical Commissioning Groups:
This consultation is being run by three Clinical Commissioning Groups, which are now responsible for planning and buying the majority of local health services. The CCG which covers Crowborough is the High Weald Lewes Havens CCG, and is Chaired by a Dr Elizabeth Gill, a GP from Buxted, Dr Elizabeth Gill will speak at the Town Conference on Wednesday 9th April (the day after the consultation closes) about Crowborough Hospital.
The CCGs Governing Body have their next meeting on 26 March in Lewes. In the report updating members of the Board on the Better Beginnings consultation, it states:
By close of consultation, there will have been over 30 public events. To date, the engagement team has facilitated conversations with approximately 800 individuals and couples in East Sussex. As a result, over 350 people have so far responded to the consultation, over 50 of whom have clearly stated that they are from the High Weald Lewes Havens CCG area.
If you are still confused about who makes decisions about heath services, watch this light-hearted animation by The Kings Fund.
Need for Change:
Health bosses say because of staffing difficulties it has become more difficult to maintain safe and high quality care in our hospitals, and that too many women and children have been placed at risk of serious harm in childbirth.
The CCGs have proposed six options, none of which include consultant-led units at both Eastbourne and the Conquest Hospital in Hastings. And two of the options (3 and 4) would see the midwife-lead Birthing Centre at Crowborough War Memorial Hospital close.
Respond:
In order to respond to the consultation, go to the Better Beginnings website to read the proposals, then complete the survey.
