Primary Care Trust out of Focus

The responses from local residents to the Primary Care Trust's (PCT) proposals for Weybridge hospital were certainly robust and it looks as if they have made an impression.

Weybridge north Liberal Democrat councillor Tim Crowther, who submitted comments to the PCT, says: "I am concerned that the PCT's plans seem to be moving away from the original concept of localised services provided through accessible community hospitals. The plans are too complicated and would lead to even more confusion as to what services are provided and where. Accessibility to a community hospital with a wide range of services must be a key element in any re-organised structure.

Under the present plans the Weybridge walk-in centre would be "refocused." This is another word for 'down-graded', Councillor Crowther comments. "The Weybridge walk-in centre has been successful and the services offered should be expanded rather than reduced. I deplore the reduction in opening hours. Weybridge hospital is an accessible location for the local community whereas St. Peter's is not. It should not be up to patients to decide where they go for treatment. The Weybridge WIC should be the first stop for all cases except emergencies."