Extend consultation to allow Option 5 a hearing
Wealden District Council would welcome any attempt to extend the consultation on the future of maternity services in East Sussex that allowed people to give their views on Option 5.
“We discussed the NHS consultation on the future of maternity services at our July Cabinet meeting earlier this month, but we felt unable to give our preference on behalf of the people of Wealden because not enough was known about Option 5. Cabinet supported Option 5 but did not know if it was a viable option as it had not been properly assessed and costed by the Primary Care Trusts,” said Council Pam Doodes, Leader of the Council.
“Rather than make no comment, we told the PCTs we supported Option 3 out of the four costed options given, but made it clear that we would have preferred an extended consultation to allow other valid options, such as two consultant-led maternity units operating at Eastbourne and Hastings.”
“As the weeks progressed it is very clear that we are not alone in our wish for a fuller discussion. I would urge the PCTs to allow more time for a proper look at all of the valid options that health services users of East Sussex put forward.”
The Council has also written to the chief executive of the West Sussex Primary Care Trust expressing Wealden’s “extreme concern” about the possibility that maternity services may close at Haywards Heath and be transferred to Brighton and other hospitals in West Sussex.
