VIDEO: Future of health provision in Fenland discussed at summit with North Cambs Hospital and end of life care on the agenda

Maureen Donnelly, chairman of the Clinical Commissioning Group at health summit. (Image: Archant)

The summit, at the South Fens Business Centre, which was organised by MP Steve Barclay, was attended by Andrew Reed, area director for NHS England, chairman of the Clinical Commissioning Group Maureen Donnelly, Cambs County Council director of public health Dr Liz Robyn and a number of GPs.

Issues on the agenda included North Cambs Hospital at Wisbech, which has large areas that are unused, and end of life care,

Mr Barclay, as part of his 10 step “Treat Me Local” campaign, says Rowan Lodge at the hospital, which is currently unoccupied, would make an ideal location for a hospice.

Other targets are to see more services provided within the community including satellite oncology units so cancer patients can receive treatment closer to home and blood testing within GP surgeries to cut unnecessary trips to hospital.

Steve Barclay MP (right) with Andrew Reed, area director for NHS England. (Image: Archant)

The campaign has already enjoyed some notable successes - Cruse Bereavement Care has re-launched its service in the Fenland area after it was suspended at the start of the year due to a lack of volunteers.

Also, health trainers are set to be provided for the Chatteris, Manea and Doddington GP surgeries from April.

Mr Barclay said: “The summit has been very useful. We have looked at practical solutions on how we can improve many aspects of health care.

“These include a single point of access for dementia carers, whether we can combine out of hours doctors with the minor injuries units, and having intravenous therapies administered within the community.

“It has been a very positive meeting and I hope those responsible for providing health care in our area will now go away and come back with plans on how they are going to improve the services offered in our area.”