READERS will know that a major reorganisation of health care provision is currently being planned for Dorset.

This is necessary to ensure the sustainable future of high quality health care for everyone.

Considerations include clinical best practice, availability of staff and, of course, affordability.

The public consultation has ended and the Clinical Commissioning Group will make its decision in the autumn, considering all the evidence, including the responses it has received from the public and health care providers.

Alarming headlines about the possible consequence of one decision or another can leave people feeling powerless and anxious. However, there are a number of steps that everyone can take to stay informed and to help NHS services in Dorset.

Only call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency. You can always phone 111 for advice on the most appropriate place to access care.

If you make an appointment, keep it, or cancel it as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

Become a member of your local NHS Foundation Trust. Details on hospital web sites. There is no charge for this. It is a good way to show your support. You might even consider standing as a public governor.

Stay informed of the facts at a time of rumours and half truths.

Feed back information about your care, either via Patient Advisory and Liaison services at your hospital (PALS), or through Dorset Healthwatch.

We all need to take some responsibility for our own health and well being and work in partnership with health care providers.

Find out more about the Sustainability and Transformation Plans for Dorset.

Be reassured that hospitals, social care and community services in our county are committed to working together to provide the best possible health care for the people of Dorset both now and long into the future. This takes wise and strategic clinical leadership, vision, partnership with the public and, yes, some very difficult decisions.

Whatever the final outcome there is total commitment to working together as one team for Dorset. Whatever the final configuration of hospitals and services we will be in safe hands.

If I sound optimistic it is because I am.

It will be impossible to please everyone and there are many challenges ahead, but our hospitals, councils and community services are agreed that they want the best possible health and social care provision for the people of Dorset.

They deserve our support.

SARAH HOLMES MBE

Winston Avenue, Poole

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