The Bristol Health Services Plan NOVEMBER 2003

The Bristol Health Services Plan has been gradually evolving over the past 2 or more years. It is said that over 100 meetings have been held and many people have given their ideas and views. Details of the current plan can be obtained (see last page of this article).

In recent years doctors surgeries have developed and been improved. The range of services offered is being expanded. Many people have said that they want to have medical services based as near to their homes as possible.

The following are planned:

A new health centre for Whitchurch.

A primary care centre at Fishponds.

A primary care centre for Portishead.

A scheme at the top of St Michaels Hill which will accommodate the students health services for the University of Bristol and a range of services for the local community including podiatry and physiotherapy. There is also to be a significant development in mental health services.

Again, the public have said how much they like the convenience and easy access of small local hospitals. It is planned to update community hospitals and to build new ones. Plans are well-advanced to build a South Bristol Hospital. These will be discussed publically during 2004.

The bigger community hospitals may contain minor injuries units, x-ray, endoscopy, and other diagnostic facilities, space for out-patient clinics, and physiotherapy services. Some will have rehabilitation beds, day care and day surgery.

People have said very clearly that they do not want to see one single main hospital for Bristol and South Gloucestershire. It is not now proposed that there would be such a hospital. It is likely that there will be 2 hospital sites in the long-term rather than the current 3. At the same time childrens services will be concentrated on one site.

The local NHS has severe financial problems which have been widely discussed. "We will have to take action quickly to reduce this financial problem whilst still achieving the improvements in health care that the Government has set nationally. We will also have to look at closing our older, more expensive and unsuitable, buildings where patient care can more suitably be provided elsewhere. We are determined, however, that any short-term measures we take will still fit in with our long-term plans."

"We must break even financially and difficult decisions have to be taken soon."

In January 2004 a period of discussion with local people will be launched. Discussions will focus on the following:-

Views on plans to close the old building at the BRI and replace its services elsewhere on the BRI site. Bring together specialist and emergency services in the area. Building community hospitals or health centres in North Bristol, central Bristol and South Gloucestershire including a possible move of services from Cosham to Kingswood. Bringing all childrens in-patient services to the Bristol Childrens Hospital. Building a new community hospital for South Bristol and closing the Bristol General Hospital.

How to contact the Bristol Services Plan and obtain information:

Telephone: 0800 015 5127

Internet: www.avon.nhs.uk/BHSP

Email: bhsp@bris.hsp.nsh.uk

By post: The Bristol Health Services Plan, Freepost BS1078, King Square House, King Square, Bristol, BS2 8EE