'We won't stop fight for our GP services'
CAMPAIGNERS are refusing to give up in their efforts to keep the GP out-of-hours service at Swansea's Singleton Hospital.
They are planning to appeal against the decision by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Community Health Council not to oppose the service moving to Morriston Hospital.
Some city residents have said they are "appalled" by the decision, particularly as the Swansea locality of ABM Community Health Council (CHC) voted by a majority against the proposal.
They had hoped opposition from the ABM CHC, which includes the Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot localities would lead to a public consultation.
But Phil Williams, assistant chief officer of ABM Community Health Council, said the clinical case was so strong there was no need to go out to consult the public on the issue.
Uplands Councillor Peter May, who was at the Aberavon Beach Hotel meeting, said he would be looking into different avenues of overturning the decision.
He said: "I have contacted the Board of CHCs to give me advice on how to appeal the decision on the GP out-of-hours.
"The people on the ground in the local CHC resoundingly came to a different conclusion.
"Is there a point in having a local CHC?"
He also said he believed the vote on both the GP out-of-hours and Fairwood Hospital should have been conducted in the open.
The ABM CHC called for a public consultation on the future of Fairwood.
"I was concerned on Tuesday that the meeting went into closed session — it's a retrograde step," added Mr May.
But Phil Williams, acting chief officer for ABM CHC added that under the regulations there was no avenue for appeal against a decision of the CHC executive committee.
"There is nothing in the regulations that I can see which gives the Board of CHCs the power to overturn a decision of the executive committee of a CHC.
"The decision of the executive committee was carried by an overwhelming majority and it was based upon all the information given by the UHB together with the comments and questions that arose during yesterday's meeting in public.
He added: "In the circumstances of yesterday's meeting I considered it entirely appropriate that the committee members be given the opportunity to discuss the matter in closed session."
Carol Lamyman Jones, Director of the Board of CHCs added: "The regulations give the board the duty to advise, assist and monitor the performance of CHCs.
"It must handle complaints made about any of the functions of a CHC but it does not have a specific power to overturn any decision."
elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk
5 Comments
by lily davies, swansea
Friday, September 24 2010, 9:41AM
“The usual scaremongering from the people who 5 years ago did not want anything to do with a GP out of hours service in singleton-the evening post amongst them as i recall. The out of hours is not disappearing merely changing sites. the knock on effect will be a huge advantage to the people of swansea appropriately attending A&E, because all those attending with gp problems will be redirected to the on site gp service leaving the A&E staff to deal with those who actually need these skills and expertise.”
by Bert, Swansea
Thursday, September 23 2010, 2:29PM
“I came home from work the other day to find my 9 yr old in agony with her ear! It was quarter to six and my surgery was finished for the day. I took her down to Aberavon Hospital as i couldn't stomach the thought of a four hour plus wait at Morriston. When i arrived i was told there was no doctors on site and the best they could do was give her Calpol and Neurofen. They were very helpful and gave me a number to phone Primecare so i could book her straight in when the doctors arrived at half six. Primecare told me she couldn't been seen as she lived outside the catchment area as we live in Llansamlet. Still sitting outside Aberavon hospital i rang my doctors surgery to get the out of hours number off the automated phone system, luckily there was still a receptionist there whom i explained the problem to. Luckier still the doctor was still there as he was waiting for his wife to pick him up. After a brief conversation he told me to call down and grab a perscription, the receptionist would stay on until i got there. It was confirmed the next day my daughter had a serious ear infection.
I suppose the point i'm trying to make is we need an out of hours service that is open when doctors surgery's are not and this will not be the case if they move it to Morriston. I was lucky my doctors surgery is so good others may not be so lucky so the only alternative is to take their children to A&E which will increase the already over strained dept.”
by Marion, Swansea
Thursday, September 23 2010, 2:17PM
“Swansea council¿s cabinet, of which Peter May is a member, will be discussing four items today in private. These are the Proposed Football Centre of Excellence & Community Facilities - BSC Landore, the Management of the Tennis Centre,
Felindre Strategic Business Park and Leasehold Reform Act (Residential Properties) Possible Disposal.
Will he be practising what he preaches to others and demanding that the public are allowed to attend this meeting? I think not.”
by Mike, Swansea
Thursday, September 23 2010, 2:11PM
“Another spectacular campaign failure by ambulance-chasing Peter May. That's what you get for shouting at officials instead of putting forward alternatives.”
by bruiser, neath
Thursday, September 23 2010, 12:31PM
“its customary for receptionists to be obstacles in seeing ones doctor! surely this is a further step in the self assumed authority of ABM in self imposed power. its time to call a halt and the sooner they are denuded of their power the better.”