PCT asking for views on what is needed

The Leicestershire County & Rutland Primary Care Trust (PCT) is asking local people and organisations in south east Leicestershire to give their views on how community healthcare services might be organised in the future to best meet the health needs of people.

The age and location of the Market Harborough & District Hospital on Coventry Road mean it is not considered suitable for extension and the range of services that could be provided to an acceptable clinical standard is limited. On the other hand, the St Luke's site on Leicester Road has a big potential for further opportunities and consolidation of healthcare services in Market Harborough and surrounding district.

Have Your Say - by 10th September 2007 - by looking online at www.lcrpct.nhs.uk (click on 'developing community services')

All comments will be considered by the local working group who will be developing proposals for each site. After consideration by the PCT Board, these will go to public consultation which is expected to take place in early 2008.

Healthcare deficit in south east Leicestershire

The Leicestershire County & Rutland PCT are set to consult on some options for the provision of a Community Hospital for Market Harborough over the next 6 months. What will be on offer? A recent briefing by a couple of PCT Executives to Leicestershire County Councillors (30th July 2007) indicated that some of the current clinics and departments at the Cottage Hospital on Coventry Road might be considered for moving upto the upgraded St Luke's site on Leicester Road. A working group made up of PCT managers and clinical staff, local doctors, social services and patient and public involvement representatives is to look into what services can be provided at the new site over the next few months, yet no Patient Forum or elected representatives have been asked to join this group.

I would be interested to know what other people feel about this? What facilities would you like to see remaining in Market Harborough after the St Luke's site is upgraded?

I feel we should insist on the present clinics as a minimum including Radiology, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Minor Injuries Unit and all the Outpatient clinics. A Stroke Rehabilitation Unit is essential and I would not like to be told that other clinics and minor surgery facilities cannot be accommodated e.g. cataract operations.