Last updated at 11:32, Monday, 26 April 2010

5000 NHS DENTAL PLACES FOR MILLOM

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MILLOM HOSPITAL LEAGUE OF FRIENDS HELD ON FRIDAY 19th FEBRUARY 2010 at 2.30pm, IN THE UPSTAIRS MEETING ROOM, THE BRADBURY CENTRE, ST. GEORGES ROAD, MILLOM

Brian Crawford, Secretary, MHLOF

Present:  Reg Heathcote (Chair), Brian Crawford (Secretary), Nadine Cole (Treasurer), Jill Crawford, Cecilia Cummings, Alban Taylor, Cllr Joan Hobbs, Cllr Pauline Altree, Noel Moore, Jane Micklethwaite, Bryan Mason, Cllr Jack Park, Peter Clarke (Deputy Director, Communications and Engagement NHS/PCT), Dee Houghton (Furness Locality Provider NHS/PCT), Jo Cloudsdale (Matron Millom Community Hospital NHS/PCT), Clare Poulter (Interim LIFT Programme Director NHS/PCT), Jayne Goodfellow (Locality Public Engagement Lead NHS/PCT), Mark Graham (Head of Communications NHS/PCT) and Dr. Geoff Jolliffe Lead GP Furness Locality NHS/PCT).

1. The Chairman of MHLOF,  Reg Heathcote, opened the meeting and welcomed everyone, especially the representatives of Cumbria NHS/PCT. He outlined housekeeping procedures and invited Peter Clarke and the other NHS/PCT representatives to introduce themselves.
2. Apologies: Apologies were received from Cllr Fred Gleaves, Cllr Ray Cole, Cllr Frank McPhillips, Cllr Peter Hodgson, Dorothy Hodgson and Dorothy Metcalf.
3. Peter Clarke and colleagues then gave presentations which described:
a. Closer to Home
b. Integrating Care
c. The role of community hospitals
d. Millom hospital into the future
e. How and where decisions are made?

a. Peter outlined the recent history of Cumbria NHS/PCT and local hospitals leading up to the present situation and the role of the “Closer to Home” programme, which was included in public consultations two years ago, with the expectation of a reduction in beds at Millom Hospital from 14 to 9 by June 2010. This reduction in beds releases trained nursing staff to participate in care for patients in their homes according to need. No money would be lost. Resources would be better used. More patients would benefit.
b. Dr. Geoff Jolliffe then went on to describe his role which included overseeing care in Millom and South Copeland. He said there was a limited pot of money which had to be used to provide the best justifiable care system. An integrated team serving Millom Hospital and in the community with nursing care in the home with a possibility of increased service in the evening or night or weekends. The issue of GP services in Millom out of hours was discussed and it was admitted it did have problems which may be difficult to resolve. Concern was expressed to Dr. Jolliffe about NHS issues getting political so near to a General Election. The Scots get free home care for example. Dr. Jolliffe said it was important to distinguish between medical care and social care in the home as these are financed separately. He stated that the long-term plan is for Millom and South Copeland to be serviced by a 9 bed hospital from the end of June 2010 to include the new hospital when built.
c. Clare Poulter repeated much of what she had covered at the last Neighbourhood Forum regarding the proposed new Millom Hospital. This included why the long delay from when it was first proposed in January 2008 due to the financial situation changing. The finances now would come from private investment through the newly appointed LIFT Company. This is now recruiting staff and finalising projects for Cockermouth and Brampton, together with Cleator Moor (a smaller project). It was expected that the new Millom Hospital would be completed within two years, i.e. Spring 2012. A question was put concerning the building of a new hospital and potential new nuclear power station near to each other. This is obviously something to be considered if the new nuclear power station at Kirksanton goes ahead. The question of funding for the new hospital was raised and the answer stated that there are two kinds of funding of concern. Money for the new build via the LIFT Company and money to fund everyday costs of running a hospital. It is expected that as the new build will be more efficient and include more services such as GP surgery, Dental surgery, pharmacy, etc., it should be more viable. The question was asked that would the General Election have any influence on the project but the answer was no! Possible sites were mentioned but no site in particular identified as yet. Possible sites could be the present one or possibly part of Millom School playing field but no consultations have yet taken place. Other sites may yet be identified. The question of NHS dental care was raised and answered positively by Dr. Jolliffe stating that negotiations are in current progress to initiate NHS dental care in Millom from the summer 2010 for about 1800 patients, rising to 5000 approx by 2014.
d. Once again it was stated that items purchased by MHLOF for Millom Hospital, plus all other equipment will stay in Millom for the use of the present and future Millom Hospital.
e. The question was put concerning potential names for the new Millom Hospital considering it will be serving South Copeland. Suggestions included calling it the South Copeland Community Hospital or even the Eunice Vernon Hospital after the excellent service to the community given by the previous Secretary of the MHLOF. It was generally agreed that at the very least, a ward should be named after her. It was suggested that the naming of the new build be put out for public suggestion.

Obviously, more information than outlined above was given and more discussions took place than are minuted here. It was my intention just to note the more important issues without writing pages of background information. If any who attended feel I have missed anything important that was mentioned or if I have quoted anything wrongly, then of course it is my error and I will be pleased to receive any corrections or additions.

Following the giving of information and the discussions, the Chairman, Cllr Reg Heathcote thanked the NHS/PCT guests for attending and in being so honest and forthcoming in their responses. He also thanked the members of MHLOF and Millom Council for attending on a Friday afternoon.

THE NEXT MEETING OF MHLOF IS TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY 8th JUNE 2010  at 10.30am in THE BRADBURY CENTRE, ST. GEORGES ROAD, MILLOM.  ALL WELCOME.

MAY 8th, MHLOF TABLE TOP SALE IN THE GUIDE HALL, 10.00am until noon.  RAFFLE, TOMBOLA, CAKES, REFRESHMENTS, entry 50p.  DONATIONS FOR RAFFLE & TOMBOLA WILL BE VERY WELCOME.

TUESDAY 13th JULY WILL BE THE EVENING HOLBORN HILL BAND CONCERT IN MILLOM HOSPITAL GROUNDS AS A SUMMER FUND RAISER.  REFRESHMENTS AND RAFFLE.  DONATIONS WELCOME.
 

First published at 09:38, Tuesday, 02 March 2010
Published by http://www.millomlocal.co.uk