A MAJOR review of health care across the county is being conducted by the Devon Primary Care Trust following last week's announcement that minor injuries units were to close overnight in community hospitals. The PCT has cut opening times at hospitals, including Okehampton, from this week as a 'temporary' measure to help reduce a major financial deficit. Beginning in the New Year, the review will aim to ensure that the quality of health care is equally good in all parts of Devon, said PCT chief executive Dr Kevin Snee. 'Currently, it varies across the six former PCTs that merged to form a single PCT in October. 'The aim of the review is to ensure that performance and practice in all areas is brought up to the standard of the best.' he said. The review will also give key stakeholders such as local authorities, GPs, Patient and Public Involvement Forums and NHS staff a major opportunity to help shape health services in Devon in the early 21st century. Dr Snee said: 'The review will establish a clear future direction for the improvement of healthcare in Devon. 'So far as I am concerned we begin with a clean sheet. I have no pre-conceived notions but I do believe we are lucky here in Devon in that we have a rich inheritance of local community hospitals and many excellent staff. 'My aim will be to protect and develop all of our health facilities because it represents the real future of health care for the people of Devon.' Meanwhile, the PCT has announced further details of its short-term financial recovery programme, including a reduction in the number of unnecessary outpatient follow-up appointments, a reduction in the number of referrals to other PCTs, the temporary closure of up to 100 beds in community hospitals in addition to the 100 beds that are currently temporarily closed and reductions in the use of bank and agency staff. The freeze on all management, clerical and administrative jobs that has been in place since July 2005 has saved the PCT £1.3-million to date but further staffing reviews are taking place. It is estimated that the combined effect of the new and existing measures will be to save the PCT approximately £15-million by the end of the financial year, enabling it to come close to a break even position. But the move to axe night time cover at the minor injuries unit in Okehampton sparked anger. County councillor for the area Christine Marsh described it as 'kick in the teeth' for medical staff.
