The health and care board which oversees the NHS in Goole is getting ready for a public conversation about services in the town.
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), together with the Humber Health Partnership which runs Goole and District Hospital, is keen to reassure people about the future of the hospital, whilst offering residents the opportunity to talk about how they would like to see hospital and other health services in the town developed and improved.
Health leaders will kickstart the conversation at two drop-in events in Goole. The first is on Wednesday 28 May at The Courtyard, Boothferry Road, DN14 6AE.
People can drop in to The Courtyard, any time between 11am and 3pm, share their views about health services, find out more about future plans, ask questions and get involved in next steps.
Details of a second event – likely to take place in June – will be announced once arrangements have been finalised.
Throughout May and June, NHS representatives will also be talking to Goole-based community groups and people will be able to access more information through social media.
Ivan McConnell, Group Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer for Humber Health Partnership, said: “It is no secret that we have been having conversations with our staff and stakeholders about Goole and District Hospital, which we understand has led to anxiety in the Goole community.
“I want to be clear – there are no plans to close the hospital.
“However, Goole is changing. People’s healthcare needs are changing. The way The NHS and social care looks after people and treats people is constantly evolving. And Government priorities and funding models are changing too.
“We need to respond to all of these changes and ensure healthcare services for the people of Goole and the surrounding area meet their needs into the future.
“Part of that means looking at how we can maximise the use of Goole and District Hospital and the skills and expertise of staff who work there, whilst investing and developing safe, sustainable, high-quality and cost-effective services for people living and working in the town.
“We hope the events in Goole will give the community the chance to talk to key staff from the partnership and ICB and ask questions so they can feel more confident about the future of their hospital.”
The ICB and Humber Health Partnership have set out the current position, here; and there’s additional information, here.
Simon Cox, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB’s East Riding Place Director, added: “The NHS is committed to keeping local services that Goole residents use in Goole, but at the same time we need to think more broadly about the future of healthcare here, how people can take steps to prevent ill health whilst making sure we have the right blend of services in the right places when people are unwell.
“We want everyone in this community to live improved, healthier lives with treatment – when it’s needed – that’s better, smarter, quicker and, wherever possible, closer.
“We need to start planning for that now, so that together as a community we can begin writing the next chapter in the story of the NHS in Goole.
“If you live or work in Goole, we are encouraging you to come along to one of the events to find out more. Your perspective matters and will help shape any future proposals that are brought forward.”
To find out more, visit: www.letsgetbetter.co.uk/our-next-chapter-goole-and-district-hospital/