Public consultations about the future of Heatherwood Hospital will not be extended despite more than 300 neighbours ‘missing’ their opportunity to have their say.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead urged NHS bosses to extend the consultation for 374 Ascot households which didn’t receive leaflets about the proposals.

But NHS bosses say despite the error there have been plenty of other opportunities, including widespread media coverage, for neighbours to hear about the plans.

Councillors not convinced Heatherwood plans will give "efficient and good quality health services"

The Royal Borough is opposed to the proposals which include permanently closing the Ascot Birth Centre and moving the minor injuries unit to the Urgent Care Centre at Brants Bridge. Councillor Sayonara Luxton, adult services and health overview and scrutiny panel chairwoman, said: “A secure future for Heatherwood Hospital depends on local people making their voices heard.

“We are very concerned a large number of residents will be denied the opportunity to make their views known, especially when it would be simple to arrange for the leaflets to be delivered and a short extension to the consultation to give people time to take part.

“We also feel a further public meeting in Ascot is necessary to make absolutely sure everyone has the opportunity to hear about the proposals first hand.”

But Charles Waddicor, NHS Berkshire chief executive, said: “We have done more than could reasonably be expected to make sure people are aware of what we are proposing.

“There have been lots of responses and there is still time for people to have their say. I don’t believe there is any justification for delaying the consultation and decision-making process.”

The closing date for responses to the Shaping the Future consultation will be Thursday, January 31.

For more information go to www.berkshire.nhs.uk/shapingthefuture

Site navigation

• Home
• News
• Business
• Sport
• Entertainment
• Lifestyle
• Jobs
• Property
• Motoring
• Classifieds