CARES response to the proposed merger of PCT boundaries
The proposed merger will create five new PCT’s with different boundaries, keep two of the existing PCT’s and dissolve thirteen of the existing PCT’s.
It is said to release £250 million pounds nationally and a figure of one million pounds was mentioned that may be saved locally for a patient-led NHS. This money is said to be reinvested back into our services, so if this goes ahead it will uncover funds which if used correctly could be of benefit locally.
However, if the powers that be truly want a patient-led NHS then why on earth merge with Cheshire! What do Cheshire PCT members know about what Southport and Formby residents want? We are still trying and will continue trying to get through to our own authorities on what services are needed locally, so what chance will we have with a wider network?
Yes, changes are needed. Yes locally-led services sound great, but is it going to give us what we need?
We read still in the local newspapers of ambulances taking a long time to get to call-outs possibly due to the further travelling distances, we hear of children not able to have treatment at our own A & E and having to travel a longer distance before they access the help needed. We hear of pregnant women giving birth in Ormskirk hospital car park, Sandgrounders who may no longer be able to register their child’s birth in their own town.
Is this merger going to put these wrongs right? The only answer we will probably get is that this merger is of the PCT boundaries NOT the services.
A recent quote from GP Dr Ian Hughes stated that local doctors would be responsible for ensuring that the most appropriate hospital care could be purchased for local people.
As stated by the estimated three-four thousand people marching in August 2003:
“What do we want?
Our services back.
When do we want them?
NOW!”
Our views have not changed!