With just three weeks remaining of the Clinical Services Review public consultation, people living in and around Dorset are being reminded to have their say on proposals that could see changes to local healthcare.

The Clinical Services Review was launched in October 2014 as a response to major challenges which the NHS faces in Dorset. These include a growing population, a workforce shortage, increased demand and a potential funding gap of £158m a year by 2020.

 Proposals include changes to the acute hospitals in Dorset – the development of a major planned hospital and major emergency hospital – along with community services which will bring care closer to home for many people.

 NHS Dorset CCG Chair Dr Forbes Watson is reminding people that it is vital people share their views and not to leave it too late.

 “Since the launch of the Clinical Services Review in late 2014 there has been a huge amount of interest in the media, online and at events, and it is clear that people are passionate about local healthcare. We all want a safe, high quality and sustainable NHS and whilst we may not all agree how things should look there is agreement that something has to be done if we want to able to tackle the challenges we face in the coming years.  

Whatever your views and whether you want to comment on all the proposals of just those that affect you, I urge you to get involved. Whether it is online or through the post; please find out the facts, complete the questionnaire and don’t miss the opportunity to have your say.”   

More information along with an online questionnaire is available via www.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk.

Alternatively paper copies are available at GP practices, hospitals and local libraries or on request by calling 01202 541946.

Since the launch of the public consultation on 1 December 2016 over 50,000 copies of Improving Dorset’s healthcare have been made available. 

Whilst proposals cover services across the whole of the county, anyone responding is able to just give feedback on the services that directly affect them if they prefer.

The consultation ends on 28 February 2017.