Chance to air views on hospital's future (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Chance to air views on hospital's future

HEALTH campaigners in Westbury are urging residents to have their say on the future of the town's hospital at a public meeting on Thursday.

The meeting has been called by the town council to highlight the plight of the hospital's stroke unit and possible cuts to its out of hours services.

Representatives from West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust will be at the Laverton Hall from 7pm and campaigners are hoping they will be left in no doubt about residents' views.

The stroke unit closed temporarily on January 2 because the PCT was unable to find a replacement clinical assistant.

Health bosses are hopeful of appointing a new specialist this month, but have admitted the unit, which opened three years ago, could be relocated elsewhere in west Wiltshire.

George Barrow, 85, of Warminster Road, Westbury, was in hospital for three months last year after a stroke attacked the left side of the brain affecting his balance. He believes it is vital for the stroke unit to remain in the town.

He said: "The physiotherapy department and the nursing staff there are excellent.

"It's just very convenient and if they go somewhere else they will have to start again from scratch.

"At my age and state of health I can't go dashing all over the place.

"It is so well set up there and everybody knows what they are doing."

Thursday's meeting will see PCT director of services Hilary Fairfield give a presentation on stroke care in west Wiltshire.

She will also detail changes to health cover in the Westbury area on bank holidays, weekends and overnight.

Campaigners believe Westbury's growing population means residents will need a new GP practice and the meeting will also look at recent changes at the town's Eastleigh Surgery.

Friends of Westbury Community Hospital chairman Jenny Clements said: "I hope the meeting will be a chance for us to ask some questions of the PCT.

"I think if people are concerned about the future of the hospital they should come along.

"I'm glad the meeting is taking place, even though it is a little late in the day. It is important to hear what the PCT has got to say as well."

Mrs Fairfield said she would be reassuring residents that they will not lose out on stroke care.

She said: "Obviously people are concerned about the situation, but we've had applications for the medical post and are interviewing at the moment.

"Hopefully by Thursday we may have some good news."

The meeting is open to all. For more information contact Westbury Town Council on (01373) 822232.