IT IS important that we recognise that any change in the way we deliver our NHS services is going to be of concern to the communities we serve and, therefore, it is important that we are clear about our plans and we ensure that the ongoing debate is driven by the needs of the local communities.

Unfortunately, the local discussions have been somewhat hampered by national controversy which is not strictly relevant to the people of Northwich. The national debate (and the campaign led by the BMA) relates to some dissatisfaction with three national policies:

1) The creation of a number of new GP practices in under-doctored areas. (Northwich is not one of these areas),

2) The creation of walk-in centres – again this type of facility is not planned for Northwich,

3) The creation of ‘Polyclinics’ for London – certainly not relevant for Northwich!

Our plans for Northwich are driven by the following imperatives:

1) The unsuitability of the current wards at the Victoria Infirmary – we are absolutely committed to maintaining (and increasing) the range and volume of services provided in the Northwich area for the people of Northwich but we recognise that this cannot be done in the current outdated buildings.

2) The need to ensure that our local GP practices work out of buildings which are suitable for delivering high quality care and which enable us to recruit new staff and to develop services. Whilst our premises may be suitable now, they will not be in the coming years.

We believe that the only way to ensure that appropriate healthcare is provided for the people of Northwich is for some practices to work out of new purpose- built developments which will also be the base for most of the current services provided by the infirmary.

The plan is based on the practices remaining separate and independent, and on the development of a range of new services meaning that local residents do not have to travel to Leighton Hospital as much as they do now.

The plans for Northwich are in line with our ‘Care Closer to Home’ plans which have driven developments so far in Crewe, Nantwich, Winsford, Macclesfield and Alsager. Similar developments are also planned for Congleton and Knutsford.

Whilst we are clear that these plans will improve the provision of NHS services. we also recognise that any change may be unpopular with some. In particular we understand that their will be anxiety about:

1) The location of the new Community Hospital and Medical Centre – we have yet to identify a potential site, however we do recognise that a central Northwich location will mean that some patients will have further to travel and therefore we need to ensure that we have robust public transport arrangements in place to support the development.

2) The effect of a central site on the current pharmacies around the town – there is understandable concern from our local pharmacy contractors; however, our experience elsewhere has shown us that the development of integrated medical centres does not necessarily mean the reduction of community pharmacy provision.

We will continue to work up our plans, recognising that we will need to undertake a consultation exercise should we identify a suitable site.

We will listen and act upon the views expressed, however it is important that these views are based on our local issues and local healthcare needs rather than driven by dissatisfaction with national policies which are not relevant to Northwich.

We believe that the people of Northwich currently have access to excellent local healthcare services and we are determined to ensure this continues and indeed improves.

Michael Pyrah

Chief Executive,

Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust