Scrutiny Board responds to Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust proposals to change locations of services

Following formal public consultation by Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCH) around proposed changes to some of its service locations in the second half of 2015, the Leeds Adult Social Care, Public Health and NHS Scrutiny Board has issued a response to the proposals from the Trust.

The response highlights concerns regarding a number of proposed changes, particularly around Garforth area.

Councillor Peter Gruen, Chair of Adult Social Care, Public Health and NHS Scrutiny Board, said:

“The Scrutiny Board has a vital role representing patients, the public and the local communities of Leeds. So we think it is important that there is a long-term vision and ‘master plan’ to help provide context for current and future proposed changes. This could help ‘future proof’ changes and inform the longer-term sustainability for community health services in Leeds.

“Leeds will continue to grow in coming years and we want to be assured that health services take into account the plans for the changes that will come. We know the NHS faces big financial challenges and we want to be assured that LCH – and other NHS bodies - take fully into account the impact of changes to the wider community, considering a full range of alternative options and working closely with others in the city to make the best decisions possible for local communities.”

A full copy of the report is available on the Leeds City Council website at: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/LCH%20service%20changes%20-%20Final%20report.pdf