Poole backs Dorset County Council over hospital reorganisation referral

Councillors on the People Overview and Scrutiny (Health & Social Care) Committee agreed last night to submit a letter to the Secretary of State in support of the Dorset County Council referral regarding Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) decision on healthcare reorganisation.

• Read about the meeting here

The letter will express concerns about the transfer of maternity services from Poole Hospital to Royal Bournemouth Hospital in addition to the transfer of A&E which is contained within the Dorset referral.

Committee members considered a motion that was referred by Full Council.

A full presentation was given by NHS partners in attendance which included details about the Clinical Services Review, how Poole and Bournemouth hospitals currently operate and how they would operate under the new arrangements.

Members also heard evidence around impact on patient outcomes based on journey travel times by ambulance as well as the ability of the ambulance service to be able to cater for residents with serious injuries and conditions in getting to hospital quickly.

Cllr Jane Newell, chair of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “After hearing all the evidence provided by our NHS partners this evening, and listening to the questions from the public and members, the committee agreed to write a letter to the Secretary of State in support of Dorset County Council’s referral but expressing specific concern regarding the transfer of maternity services.

“It was important that Scrutiny members heard all the evidence and had the opportunity to fully debate the issues.”