Review Of Future Health Service Provision

Following an extensive review process over the last 11 months, the Scrutiny Committee at Dover District Council has delivered its major review of future health service provision in the district.

A comprehensive report includes details of information gathered and wide ranging recommendations. It welcomes assurances given by the Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust in support of the Committee's firm conviction that the existing locally provided health services must be maintained. The review also recognizes concerns expressed by the local community in relation to access and waiting times for health services, and requests health authorities to continue to work with the Committee in monitoring these matters. All recommendations were presented to Cabinet today and will be presented to Council on Wednesday.

This follows a Committee recommendation from 20 May, adopted by Cabinet, that Cabinet works closely with the Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust and the East Kent Hospitals Trust to locate a central and accessible site in Dover for Community Hospital Services for the population of Dover and the district.

Cllr Jim Hood, Chairman of the Scrutiny (Community and Regeneration) Committee, said: "We would like to thank everyone who has cooperated with this extensive review, and to all the witnesses who have put in a great deal of effort working with us and helping us to deliver these conclusions. We urge everyone in the community to work constructively with the Primary Care Trust and Hospitals Trust to deliver the best possible option available for health service provision for the people of Dover District."

For more information, you can call Democratic Services on (01304) 872304, or you can view the full report at www.dover.gov.uk/scrutiny/reviews.asp