2024
West Cornwall Hospital
We learned that the UTC now needs an investment case – there were plans for a 3mth 24/7 pilot from April, it was postponed to the Autumn ( it hasn’t happened). There were increasing problems with getting local outpatient appointments, with patients being sent to Truro or beyond. Members sought data about the UTC attendances.
There was discussion about the future management of WCH and what it will offer. The WCH Development Group continues to meet monthly, but still awaits data on UTC and outpatient clinics.
Other hospitals, primary care and social care
There was continued uncertainty about treatments provided at SMH.
NHS dentistry is a disaster – waiting lists are 6 years. Most child admissions to hospital are for dental issues. We have felt powerless in this.
Government funding of £240m to support hospital discharges proved not to be working, along with competition between providers, care homes not receiving patients, etc.
Alongside this, we had feedback about patients being discharged too soon, resulting in too many re-admissions.
We discussed how hospital appointments were sent – text, email, phone etc.
We uncovered a suggestion that phlebotomy was too costly for GP practices.
Meanwhile SMH is, we understand, working 7 days a week to reduce the backlog.
111 and Out of Hours
We voiced continued concerns about 111 – lack of local knowledge and its efficacy.
And we made contact with Kernow CIC re 111, OOH provision at WCH and Primary Care Hubs.
Privatisation
There is ever-increasing evidence of the private sector providing NHS treatments – just this month it was Isla Health providing dermatology diagnostics.
We have been trying to find out what exactly is happening with the CDC at Redruth, given that this will be run by a private company.
West Cornwall HealthWatch Members had a meeting with Kernow CIC, who were open to working with WCH’s UTC.
We were told that the West Integrated Care Area was supporting the need for West Cornwall patients to be treated in West Cornwall. Members scrutinised PPGs and their effectiveness. We contacted general election candidates with questions about the local NHS.