I was pleased to hear this week that the proposals to take intermediate care beds away from Brentwood Community Hospital and use the facility as a 50 bed stroke unit have been shelved for six months by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board.
Having campaigned against the plans and the impact they would have had on the facilities available for older and more vulnerable people needing that mid point care between long stays in acute hospitals and being strong enough to go home safely, I am delighted by the decision by the new Chief Executive of the ICB, Tom Abell.
And while the plans would have serious inconvenienced many Brentwood constituents, I know the good people of Maldon were horrified they might have to travel to Brentwood for stroke care – lovely as Brentwood is – if their beloved St Peter’s Hospital was closed to those due to give birth and those needing post-stroke treatment or intermediate care.
Tom Abell took up the role of ICB Chief Executive last month and has realised the strength of felling about the proposals in local communities and has made it clear more time is needed to explore further the suggestions made and to develop more comprehensive solutions together.
An independently chaired working group is being formed to focus on further engagement, reviewing feedback from the consultation and looking at other options for where community beds should be available.
I am delighted the status quo is being maintained for the moment and will make sure I am involved in the ongoing discussions about the future of our local health services.
