OKEHAMPTON Hospital could be better used ? particularly for patients convalescing after operations, West Devon Borough Councillors suggested to Mid Devon Primary Care Trust last week. The council?s overview and scrutiny committee raised concerns with the PCT?s head of performance Vanessa Martin over a number of health issues in the Okehampton area. Councillors said they had a productive meeting but just days after, fresh rumours were circulating about threats to the future of maternity services at Okehampton Hospital. The Times understands a meeting is due to take place at the hospital tomorrow (Friday) to discuss the future of maternity provision in the town. Mid Devon PCT says all maternity services are under review but it was unable to comment further presently. Councillors also expressed concern at the lack of out-of-hours GPs in Okehampton and noted the closest Doctors on Call centre was in Tiverton. Councillors spoke with concern about cases where patients had been unable to contact a GP and had resorted to dialing 999 for an ambulance instead. They also called for a stronger link between social services and the health services to give more support to the care of the elderly. l Mid Devon PCT is urging the public to have their say about possible changes to the way health services are delivered. A consultation event has been organised in Okehampton next week for the public to express views about the Government?s Commissioning a Patient-led NHS agenda. This aims to restructure the boundaries of primary care trusts, strategic health authorities and ambulance services across the South West. The trust is seeking views on three options: creating four, five or six primary care trusts to replace the current arrangements across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Nick Pearson, spokesman for the trust, said listening to the public was key. ?The Government wants to hear as many views as possible about the proposals. We hope the events we have planned will help everyone who wants to have a say.? He added: ?We would urge the public to get involved.? The event at the Ockment Community Centre, Okehampton takes place from 2.30pm 3.30pm next Thursday, February 2) will feature a presentation about the proposals by senior trust staff. NHS managers will also be on hand to answer any questions the public may have.
