Merging NHS boards could worsen rural deprivation, Somerset councillor warns
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 16:39 · Archive
A Somerset councillor has warned that merging NHS commissioning boards could increase rural health deprivation through longer patient journeys.
Somerset's NHS integrated care board is to merge with its neighbours in Bath and North East Somerset, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire, forming a new 'cluster' with a view to a formal merger by late-2027, as part of the government's ten-year plan for the health service.
Councillor Emily Pearlstone, who represents Martock, a division of villages on the edge of Yeovil, raised concerns at a council meeting on 8 October about the impact on rural areas. She said she was 'deeply concerned about coming together as one, much bigger organisation' and warned that technology could only go so far to address the challenges.
Pearlstone highlighted existing examples of service centralisation: the hyper-acute stroke service has been moved from Yeovil and maternity services have been reduced. She pointed to the costs of travel and transport links for residents accessing health services and the impact on staff recruitment and retention in rural areas.
How it is being reported
- Merging NHS boards could increase rural deprivation, Somerset councillor warnsCouncillor Emily Pearlstone has warned that merging Somerset health services with its neighbours could lead to longer journeys for patientsSomerset County Gazette · 27 Oct, 16:00
- Merging NHS boards could increase rural deprivation, Somerset councillor warnsCouncillor Emily Pearlstone has warned that merging Somerset health services with its neighbours could lead to longer journeys for patientsBridgwater Mercury · 27 Oct, 16:00
In this story: Somerset · Emily Pearlstone · Bath and North East Somerset · Dorset · Swindon · Wiltshire · Yeovil · NHS Somerset
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