OKEHAMPTON town and hamlets councils will write to the local NHS clinical commissioning group for clarification on the public consultation process and new contracts for the minor injuries unit in the town.

Last week, NHS Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) confirmed that it was in negotiations with a new provider to take over the running of the minor injuries service, but could not confirm whether it would be at the hospital or elsewhere in Okehampton.

Talk was rife in the town

about the future of the minor injuries unit at Okehampton Hospital, with fears that it is set to close. There have also been concerns for the future of the hospital as a whole, particularly after the closure of the Okement Surgery which was based at the hospital.

In a statement to the Times, town clerk Paul Snell said: ’After last week’s article in the Okehampton Times and the letter from Dr Paul Neilson concerning our hospital, Councillor Goffey, Okehampton Town Mayor, invited the local ward members of Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council together with the Town and Hamlets Parish Councillors to a meeting on Monday, May 16 for the purpose of gathering firm information on the hospital situation and determining what further questions needed to be asked. 

’As a result of this meeting, questions will be sent to the NHS Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group for clarification regarding the timing and format of both public consultation and any new contracts in preparation.

’It is expected that any proposals would be brought to the attention of Devon County Council, in their scrutiny role, and all the councillors attending were very aware of the public concerns about local NHS provision, following so soon after the closure of the Ockment Surgery. A report will be brought to the Town Council meeting on May 23.’