What do you think of local health services?

Under changes to the NHS local services are now commissioned by a GP-led body which is responsible for planning and buying the majority of healthcare in East Sussex.

The thinking behind the relatively recent shift is that GPs are on the frontline of health provisions and so have an unrivalled appreciation of what any given local population needs provided or prioritised.

On Monday November 18 the local commissioning group, The Hastings and Rother CCG, is holding a workshop event.

It is planned to provide people with a chance to find out more about the issues facing the NHS both locally and nationally, discover what the CCG plans to do to address this challenges and also allow locals to feedback what they consider should be priorities in Rother.

Dr Roger Elias, a Bexhill GP and chair of Hastings and Rother CCG, said: “CCGs came into operation in April 2013. We are led by local GPs and healthcare professionals and we make decisions about investing in a huge range of local health services. This includes community services, mental health and the majority of local hospital services.

“As local clinicians we have a good understanding of the needs of our communities, but we are always looking at new ways of involving the public and patients to help us set our priorities and inform our decision-making.

“I would urge anyone with an interest in the local NHS to attend the workshop and have your say.”

Dr Elias added: “We had a very constructive event in June and have taken action to address a number of the themes that arose. This shows we are not just talking to patients and the public, but listening and responding.”

The workshop will be held in the main room at the Cooden Beach Hotel between 6-8pm - book a place via email at [email protected], write to CCG Offices, Bexhill Hospital, Holliers Hill, Bexhill, East Sussex TN40 2DZ, calling 01273 403687 or texting 07795 451587. More information on Hastings and Rother CCG can also be found at www.hastingsandrotherccg.nhs.uk.