Dear Sir,
John Clare’s article 28th October left me rather confused and I wondered if certain points could be explained:
1) NHS public consultation about improving services. Does this refer to the recent questionnaire concerning opening hours of Walkin centres. Any result published yet?
2) The Better Health Programme was held at the Leisure Centre on 13th. October and though of great interest, in my opinion was poorly advertised and attended by the general public.
3) I was unaware of an “Engagement Meeting” last week said to have been held in the town centre and would have been interested in attending. Surely these meetings with the general public deserve prior advertising, perhaps even by posters in GP’s surgeries in addition to our Newton News. It is disappointing to hear of these events after they have taken place.
4) Perhaps the MP for Bishop Auckland might be more forthcoming about her concerns relating to “certain documents”.
5) I have a long relationship with Bishop Auckland General Hospital that started in July 1949, have witnessed many changes and improvements made at that facility and would not wish to see this wonderful hospital, or any of it’s services lost through general public apathy.
P.C. Name & address supplied.
Editor: This correspondent is right to criticise the lack of publicity over important issues such as the possible closure of local A&E Departments. It appears the “consultations” are kept quiet deliberately to create insufficient opposition to controversial proposals. Poor publicity and lack of information is not apathy.
