Concerns over the future of Weston A&E

Most people were supportive of proposed changes to intensive care and emergency surgery but there was less support for the permanent overnight closure of Weston A&E department.

Three out of ten people supported the plans but others expressed concerns about space at other hospitals, GPs and ambulance numbers. Some of the main feedback from the survey showed people wanted the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG to consider the following points when making decisions about next steps:

• Whether the proposals account for the size and age of the population.
• Whether there are enough GPs, ambulances and space at other hospitals for the proposals to work.
• Whether it is appropriate for people and their loved ones to travel to another hospital overnight in an emergency.

NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)  reviewed feedback received during the Healthy Weston public consultation at its recent Governing Body meeting.

Between February and June 2019, over 2,300 responses were made to the public consultation, representing more than 3,000 people. The responses express a range of views on proposals for changing the way health and care services are delivered in Weston, including some services at Weston General Hospital. The Clinical Commissioning Group has now received a report from the independent group that compiled all of the feedback.

During the consultation, people took part in public meetings, completed feedback forms and sent emails. A representative group of more than 1,000 people were interviewed through door-to-door surveys. Groups such as older people, people with young families and those with long-term health conditions took part in interviews and focus groups to make sure that a wide variety of people across the area were able to have their say.

Dr Martin Jones, Medical Director at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group said:

“We are really pleased that so many local people and hospital staff gave their views during the public consultation. We now have a much better understanding of what people think and what is most important to them. Our vision is for Weston General to be a dynamic hospital at the heart of the local community – offering more of the services that local people need most often.”

The report will inform the recommendations made to the CCG’s Governing Body about the future shape of services at Weston Hospital. These recommendations will be considered in October 2019.