As promised in my previous articles about the ongoing consultation (7th and 16th February) about the future use of Brentwood Community Hospital, I have attended the consultation event held by Mid and South Essex ICB and have submitted my views through the consultation process as follows:
"Brentwood Community Hospital was original built, with the help of significant local fund-raising, for the care of local people. It is the only NHS hospital in my constituency, and provides outstanding care for my constituents when they need some extra support to get home.
I have heard from former and current staff, former and current patients, and many constituents whose relatives have received intermediate care at Brentwood Community hospital, and all – without exception – want to retain the intermediate care beds. They are delighted an additional 25 stroke rehab beds will be available too, but are resolute in their belief patients get better quicker if they have regular visits from family and friends.
While I appreciate the benefits of having all stroke rehab services in one centre, placing them all in Brentwood Community hospital means my constituents lose the 25 local intermediate care beds which have been, and are, so important to them. We live in a tricky area for public transport and asking elderly relatives of elderly patients to travel to Rochford or Thurrock, where Option A places those intermediate care beds, is not acceptable.
Option B offers a great continuing intermediate care service to my constituents, while opening up 25 new stroke rehab beds for the whole of the Mid Essex area. I appreciate having two 25 bed stroke rehab wards in different locations might challenge staff rotas, but I am confident this is something which can be overcome if patients’ wellbeing and family support is put front and centre of care available.
I support Option B – the retention of 25 intermediate care beds in Brentwood and the opening of 25 stroke rehab beds in our Community Hospital."
The consultation closes on 6th April [Originally 21st March but deadline has been extended for two weeks] and you can find full details about the proposals here: https://virtualviews.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/changes-to-services
To take part in the consultation please go to https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MSECommunityConsultation2024/. The more people who take part, the better Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board will understand the strength of feeling for our local community hospital.
