May 15, 2019 5.00 pm This story is over 64 months old

STP hopes to tackle ‘behind closed doors’ perception

They say they are in “listening mode”
John Turner, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire CCG. Picture: Calvin Robinson.

Lincolnshire STP bosses said they hope engagement events on the future of healthcare in the region will tackle perceptions that the NHS “operates behind closed doors”.

John Turner, senior accountable officer for the STP, said the events were about “resetting the relationship” between the health service and people in the county.

The organisation launched its Healthy Conversation in March as part of a proposed shakeup of healthcare services.

People can attend the events and have their say on plans for services in the region.

ULHT medical director Neil Hepburn at the Health Conversation launch in Sleaford. Photo: Steve Smailes

“We see this as our relationship with the people we serve and the people we work with,” Mr Turner said.

“There is a perception that NHS authorities have been operating behind closed doors, but we are trying to reset that.”

He added that the events show that the health service is “in listening mode”.

The STP is holding ‘Healthy Conversation’ events around the county.

Grantham & District Hospital. Photo: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

As part of the March launch, a number of proposals for services in the region were revealed.

Among the changes include introducing urgent treatment centres (UTC) at hospital sites.

Grantham, which controversially had its overnight A&E service closed, is earmarked for a UTC.

Health bosses said the service, which could be run by Lincolnshire Community Health Service would allow the facility to be open 24-hours, seven days a week and would treat the “vast majority” of local patients.

Other changes which will be looked at include:

  • Centralising a Hyper Acute Stroke Unit in Lincoln
  • Breast Services being centralised to Lincoln or Grantham
  • The continuation of elective orthopaedic and trauma at Grantham, with emergency services under discussion
  • Maternity units at Lincoln and Boston to both get a midwife-led unit.
  • Louth Hospital could also get an Urgent Treatment Centre

You can find out more about the Healthy Conversation events here.

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