'I have respect for the workers but not for the planners after NHS Spalding consultation meeting'
I attended the public NHS consultation regarding proposed changes in Spalding. There were seven members of the public there, six NHS office staff and four proposed changes for discussion.
At the start I queried why there was so few members of the public and the lack of signage. It was explained that due to Covid they had restricted the numbers and one had to register before attending.
The lack of signage was down to the college (I disputed this as I have attended previous events).
Orthopaedic operations was the first discussion. Everyone in the room raised the issue of lack of transportation if one could not drive, which one usually cannot after an such an operation.
Dome 30% of South Holland residents do not own a car or drive. I was informed that only the operation would take place at Grantham. Any follow-up treatments/consultations would take place near your abodeand the Neighbourhood Teams at Grantham would be involved.
I had previously worked out that journey time would take two to three hours via two changes of bus or train and a taxi to get to Grantham Hospital.
In fact, it is easier to reach Grantham from the coastal towns than Spalding. The fact that one would only have to travel there for the operation was a relief and took away most of my argument at this moment.
The new proposed Stroke Centre at Grantham was presented by the doctor in charge at Lincoln. He spoke at length and in great detail.
I thanked him for giving up a day off and for being frank and honest as he obviously cared about his colleagues and patients.
Staffing and treatment time were the main issues. His department based at Lincoln, had six doctors before covid, but now has three . He cannot get staff. Everyone in the room agreed that this has been an issue in this area for years.
I raised the point that travel to Grantham Hospital adjacent to the A1 would be a preferred drive to work than travelling across Lincolnshire to Boston. He agreed that this would open opportunties for staffing (one of his doctor’s came from Doncaster, the other from Sheffield). This department won an award for being the best in England recently.
Others mentioned EMAS (East Midland Ambulance Service) and asked why they were not present . A discussion followed regarding the problems covering this service and that time is of the essence for stroke recovery.
There was only one person in the audience not volunteering in various local groups. Thus 95% of the audience came prepared with questions from and represented most of South Holland residents. The sole public member had first hand knowledge of NHS problems from family experience.
The complaint we all raised over the way the NHS survey was delivered has been taken up with the Royal Mail .
Is this consultation a done deal and waste of money and time?
I had asked several points which could have been made clearer in their leaflets. Once again transportation across the county became a major issue.
The NHS includes the ambulance service but this was not included.
I came away with respect for the front line doctor who clearly cares enough to give a rare day off up to talk to us, and for all NHS workers.
I acquired an increased lack of respect for the NHS planning staff.
Val Gemmell
via email
