News

Have your say on Heatherwood Hospital's future

By Becky Barnes
June 26, 2012

Health bosses want to hear your views on their ideas for the future of Heatherwood Hospital.

NHS Berkshire has produced a summary of their “emerging vision”, which will help form a public consultation about healthcare in Berkshire in the autumn.

The plans include downsizing the hospital, selling off some land and moving some of its services elsewhere.

Health bosses confirm no plans to close Heatherwood Hospital

In particular, the suggestion is for Heatherwood to become the sole centre for planned surgery such as hip and knee replacements, with most outpatients services relocating and for the Ascot Birth Centre to remain closed.

An NHS spokesman said: “This would be about providing high quality patient care closer to home wherever possible and for Heatherwood to remain open and modernise.”

Where now for Heatherwood Hospital?

The PCT is proposing that the old and outdated buildings could be replaced with a surgical hospital with surplus land sold off to invest in patient care.

The plan suggests the Minor Injuries Unit could be moved to Bracknell HealthSpace, with the rehabilitation ward closing when community services are enhanced to help patients recover at home.

It is also suggested that the psychotherapy service be relocated so it can serve all of Berkshire.

Charles Waddicor, chief executive of NHS Berkshire, said: “A full public consultation on suggested improvements and changes to health services in east Berkshire is planned to start in autumn 2012.

“Before then we want to share our developing ideas and get feedback on them to help us shape the final proposals.”

The plans being shared with the public are not in detail at this stage as the NHS said they want to hear from local people first.

Philippa Slinger, chief executive of Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are looking forward to getting feedback from local people on our emerging vision.

“We really want to hear what they have to say.”

The document is being distributed to people in town centres and is also available online with a questionnaire attached which must be filled out by Monday, July 30.

To read the full Shaping the Future vision document and give feedback visit www.berkshire.nhs.uk/shapingthefuture

NHS representatives will be giving out hard copies of the document and questionnaires on Tuesday, July 10, at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, from midday to 5.30pm.

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Most recent user comments 7 of 7

Will be interesting to see what our very own Dr Who has to say at his next residents surgery - held again in of course Finchhampstead!

CMK
01/07/2012 at 13:18

i was under the impression half of bracknell went to Frimley park

Mike Hawk
29/06/2012 at 21:45

I'm with Winstanley too.

Would also like to see Dr Lee responding on the site sometimes instead of ignoring us like he always does.

CMA
28/06/2012 at 13:34

I think you all know my thoughts on this. And yes, I'm with Winstanley, Bruce and CMK. Dr WHO?

Neal Evans, Forest Park
26/06/2012 at 20:55

As with what Winstanley says.

Philip who ;-)

CMK
26/06/2012 at 13:48

What Winstanley said, but throw in a little "I hate Philip Lee" comment too from me

Bruce Wayne
26/06/2012 at 10:39

Again? Surely they know what we want?

Heatherwood to remain open, redeveloped and restructured so the local* population have an NHS facility fit for purpose in the 21st century - free from the mendacious shenanigans and interference from the likes of Phillip Lee.

*local as in not Slough, Reading or Windsor - but Bracknell, Ascot and surrounding villages.