DEVON Primary Care Trust's commitment to the future of community hospitals in West Devon and Torridge has been welcomed by the constituency's MP Geoffrey Cox. At his meeting with PCT chief executive Kevin Snee, Mr Cox relayed concerns, gained from his constituents and his New Year's tour of community health services, that the current level of provision is, in many areas, considered to be inadequate. He also called for health service provision to be extended and enhanced to meet the demands of the constituency's rural and dispersed communities. Mr Cox said there had been concerns about the steps the Devon PCT may take to ease its financial situation as it struggles to overcome large debts inherited from its predecessors. The MP welcomed assurances that there were no plans to close community hospitals in West Devon and Torridge and that the PCT was strongly committed both to the hospitals' future and the enhancement of their services. 'I was pleased finally to discuss my pressing concerns about the quality of our health services after the recent changes,' said Mr Cox. 'Both Tavistock and Okehampton hospitals play an essential role in our local communities and I will be sure to hold the PCT to its commitment. 'As well as raising some individual cases of concern, I also welcomed our discussion about the future direction of health provision in our area. 'Ensuring our most remote and rural villages are able to gain access to the service they require is essential and I look forward to the opportunity of making sure it is a central part of the PCT's work.'
