March 23 key date for Conquest

THE LONG-AWAITED plans which could lead to a reduction in services at the DGH will be unveiled in March.The public consultation process will begin on March 23 when a 'consultation' document is published by East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust (PCT).
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Feb 2007, 17:04 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:08 BST

Both the PCT and the NHS trust have said the proposals will be released in March and both organisations have stated an exact date has not been set '“ but the Herald understands it will be published on March 23.

Nick Yeo, the chief executive of the PCT, told a public meeting in Eastbourne that the Trust was considering closing the Special Care Baby Unit at DGH, along with the obstetric and gynaecology departments.

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This means a maternity ward at the DGH would change to a midwife led unit and mothers who have complications during labour, or who want the peace of mind of having a consultant on hand, would have to travel to Hastings.

Mr Yeo said the Trust was committed to keeping A&E departments at both hospitals, but warned of changes which could mean night surgery would only take place at the Conquest.

On Wednesday the board of East Sussex Hospitals Trust (ESHT), which runs both the DGH and the Conquest, discussed proposals.

Commenting on the four recent 'stakeholders' meetings' which have taken place across the region, Dr David Scott, the medical director of ESHT, said, "They were very helpful meetings it terms of clarifying issues.

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"Nick Yeo confirmed the PCT is likely to consult on maternity and was still undecided about what it wished to consult on emergency surgery and paediatric services."

Dr Scott said the consultation papers are now in the draft stage and will be published in March.

He also confirmed the board of the Hospitals Trust will have the chance to view the papers before they are released to the public.

04 February 2007