‘Neighbourhood health centres’ must feature Eastern Devon’s community hospitals

Five community hospitals across the Honiton & Sidmouth constituency

There are five community hospitals across the Honiton & Sidmouth constituency at: Axminster, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Seaton and Sidmouth, running a range of clinics, meaning local people can be seen close to their homes, for a variety of health problems, without needing to travel into Exeter, or further afield.

The hospitals already run an important wide range of clinics and services, including x-ray, optometry, surgery, pain management, audiology, urology and rheumatology.

Neighbourhood Health Centres funding set to be announced as part of the Budget

Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s neighbourhood health centre proposal is part of the Government’s new 10-year plan for the NHS and recommends that GPs, district nurses, care workers and other medical professionals are based in the same building. 

Funding for the centres is expected to be announced as part of the Budget tomorrow (Wednesday 30 October).

Community hospitals already provide a range of essential health services

Richard said: “Any proposal that means improved health services at a local level is to be welcomed and I will be asking the Health Secretary to cherish and develop our five excellent community hospitals.

Local community hospital beds closed in the face of widespread and vociferous opposition 

“Our local community hospitals used to have inpatient beds. Then almost a decade ago, amid understandable widespread and vociferous opposition, the beds were closed. Only Sidmouth Hospital was spared, retaining some medical inpatient beds.”

Any change must complement and enhance existing rural services 

Mr Foord added: “The NHS was neglected by the former Conservative government over the course of the last decade.  This is in evidence locally; we have some incredible NHS staff pulling off an incredible level of service for patients, in spite of the constraints that they are working under.

“Our health services are in desperate need of support and attention.  Any changes must complement and enhance existing rural services.”