Health trust is "dragging it's feet" over minor injuries unit (South West Surrey Liberal Democrats)

South West Surrey Liberal Democrats <info@swsurreylibdems.org.uk>

Health trust is "dragging it's feet" over minor injuries unit

September 14, 2004 11:40 PM

Simon Cordon will use a top-level meeting this Thursday (September 16th) to press again for a minor injuries unit to be opened at Farnham Hospital.

Simon will challenge the lack of progress with the unit during an open question time at the Board meeting of Guildford and Waverley Primary Care Trust (PCT), taking place at The Maltings in Farnham.

The PCT have been carrying out a review of services at community hospitals but have failed to recommend any service improvements. The only "initiative" they are proposing is the closure of Milford Hospital with 22 beds at Farnham Hospital filling part of the gap.

Simon said: "The PCT keep saying that they are looking into a minor injuries unit at Farnham Hospital. At my last meeting with them they talked about minor surgery as well. But all we get is talk, reviews, forward strategies, care pathway analysis and other such NHS management-speak. They do not need a review or a study into the need for a minor injuries unit. That work was done as part of our successful campaign to get the new hospital built four years ago with a clear commitment in October 2000 that a minor injuries would be part of it. They built the rooms but forgot to buy the equipment and employ the staff. I'm getting fed up of raising this with the PCT. We need action not more talk".

Simon first challenged the PCT over the lack of a minor injuries unit in 2002. At first they said one had never been planned but then admitted that it had been agreed but forgotten. "They are dragging their feet. How many times does it have to be explained that a minor injuries unit is good for patients and is a better use for money as it would take pressure away from the A&E at Frimley Park. At Thursday's meeting I will be looking for a firm commitment not more studies or strategies", he added.