THE REASONS why they decided to refer the controversial proposals contained in Dorset's Clinical Services Review to the Secretary of State have been made public by councillors.
The Daily Echo understands that the county's Health Scrutiny Committee will express concern that: "The travel times by the South West Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust have not been satisfactorily scrutinised and that the evidence needs further investigation to the current claim that these travel times will not cause loss of life."
It is also understood that councillors were concerned that there was: "No local alternative to the loss of community hospitals given Dorset's demographic with its ageing population and how that service will be delivered."
The committee's submission is currently being drafted and will be reviewed by members before it is sent to the Secretary of State. It will not receive drafting input from the Defend Dorset NHS group which is campaigning to halt the review - which includes the downgrading of Poole's A&E department and the closure of a significant number of hospital beds.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel