OKEHAMPTON’S MP and Devon County Councillor have both welcomed the decision by the Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG) to expand their consultation on the future of community hospitals.

Mel Stride MP and Cllr Kevin Ball have been highly critical of the CCG for their initial plans to consult on just four scenarios for the future of community hospitals within the trust’s area, none of which would have resulted in the beds being kept in Okehampton.

But following a public outcry and a protest, the CCG has introduced a fifth area for consultation where residents can specifically comment on the future of Okehampton Hospital and other hospitals in the region. The consultation began on October 7 and runs until January 6.

Mr Stride had two meetings on the issue last Friday (October 7), with local GPs at Okehampton Medical Practice and with Cllr Ball, West Devon borough councillors Mike Davies and Tony Leech, Okehampton’s mayor Jan Goffey, Martin Perry from Friends of Okehampton Hospital and Lynn Lane, who was involved with the Patients Participation Group from the Okement Surgery. Speaking after his meetings Mr Stride said: ’There are a couple of areas where we need greater clarity, particularly in regard to transitional arrangements between the existing situation and the CCGs proposed new model.

’I have agreed to write to the CCG on this, as well as to press upon them the need to truly listen to the submissions they receive from local residents now they are accepting feedback specifically on the future of Okehampton Hospital.’

Cllr Ball said: ’Changing the parameters of the consultation is a small step forward and it is now vitally important that residents let the CCG know their views on this hugely important issue.’

The consultation documents are available at www.newdevonccg.nhs.uk and anyone without internet access can write to the CCG at Newcourt House, Newcourt Drive, Old Rydon Lane, Exeter, EX2 7JQ or phone 01392 267665 and ask to be sent a copy.