HEALTH bosses have extended a consultation period on changes to community hospitals and mental health services in east Suffolk.The Changing for the Better consultation, includes proposes to close the Bartlet hospital in Felixstowe and community hospitals in Eye and Aldeburgh and has met with fierce public opposition.
HEALTH bosses have extended a consultation period on changes to community hospitals and mental health services in east Suffolk.
The Changing for the Better consultation, includes proposes to close the Bartlet hospital in Felixstowe and community hospitals in Eye and Aldeburgh and has met with fierce public opposition.
It was due to finish on November 30 but members of the public have been given an extra 14 days to submit their concerns.
Dr Brian Keeble, acting chief executive of the Suffolk East Primary Care Trusts, has agreed that responses will still be accepted up to 14 December after a request from campaigners at the recent board meeting.
Dr. Keeble said: “The PCTs are very grateful for all the responses we've received so far, but welcome more.
“The responses will now be analysed, ready for the Boards to consider on 25 January.”
The Changing for the Better consultation document outlines a raft of money-saving proposals designed to bring health care closer to home.
The Suffolk East PCTs have a debt of £47m and have admitted that these proposals are only the first wave of changes that will have to be made.
Since the consultation process begun in August campaigners have fought tirelessly to change the minds of health bosses.
The Evening Star's Save The Bartlet petition was signed by more than 16,000 people before being delivered to health ministers in Westminster.
For full details of the consultation proposals, including answers to 25 frequently asked questions, see www.suffolkeast.nhs.uk/changing or phone 01394 458902.
To respond to the consultation proposals post your response form, or write to: Changing for the Better - Next Steps, Suffolk East Primary care Trusts, Bixley Office, St Clements Hospital, Foxhall Road, Ipswich, IP3 8LS
Email: listening@suffolkcoastal-pct.nhs.uk
Or complete a form online at www.suffolkeast.nhs.uk/changing
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