Public view sought on alternative to 999 service

People from Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale are being asked to comment on proposals to introduce an alternative to the traditional 999 emergency number for access to urgent health care.  The proposed 888 number would put callers through to a dedicated handling service that would stream out those people who need immediate response from an ambulance crew and then channel all other callers to the most appropriate service to meet their needs.

This is just one of the ideas that has been generated by front line social care staff, doctors, nurses and therapists who are looking at how to improve the standard and quality of care provided in the North West.  Since October last year, eight groups have been looking at the areas that affect all of us at some time in our lives – birth, children’s services, acute care, planned care, mental health, long term conditions, staying healthy and end of life care.

And on Thursday 24 January, NHS staff, patients and members of the public from across the North West will look at proposals developed by these groups that will shape how health services are delivered in our region. Over a thousand people up and down the country will join in similar discussions as part of the Our NHS Our Future review of the NHS led by Lord Ara Darzi, a leading surgeon and minister at the Department of Health.

Lord Darzi said: “This Review is all about engaging with patients, public and staff to shape the NHS for the 21st century. I am determined that this will be developed and owned by patients, public and staff together.  We have challenged everyone to identify the right local solutions for improving the NHS in their region. I expect this work to be clinically led, patient centred and locally accountable”

Dr Steve Ryan, a consultant paediatrician at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is leading conversations with members of staff, the public, patients and stakeholders in our region.  Dr Ryan said: “We believe that we have come up with some interesting ideas, from launching an 888 number to make it easier for people to access urgent health care services, particularly out of hours, to developing virtual health campuses to help support those who have long term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease. It is really satisfying that these ideas have come from the front-line staff, who know what it is like to deal with the public on a day to day basis.”

Dr Ryan said that he has been “inspired” by the passion and the positive responses from people.  “I’d like to encourage everyone to go to our website, look at the information we have there and give us their views.”

Trevor Purt, Chief Executive of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust, is encouraging everyone from across the borough to comment on the proposals. He said: “Patients, public and staff are all being given the chance to have their say in shaping the future of the NHS, and it’s important that we make the most of this opportunity.”

“It’s an exciting time for us as we reach the 60th anniversary of the NHS and I’d encourage everyone to get involved so we can provide the most effective service possible.”

An online response form is available at:

• www.northwest.nhs.uk/onof/how_to_get_involved

Alternatively write to:

Communications Team
Our NHS Our Future
c/o NHS North West
7th Floor
Gateway House
Piccadilly South
Manchester
M60 7LP