PARENTS, local people and professionals across Essex are being asked for their views on the new proposals for improving specialist care for premature and sick babies in the county. A period of public consultation is currently underway and runs until May
PARENTS, local people and professionals across Essex are being asked for their views on the new proposals for improving specialist care for premature and sick babies in the county.
A period of public consultation is currently underway and runs until May 29.
During the consultation people are being encouraged to offer their views either by post, on-line or by attending a public discussion event, one of which will be held in Great Dunmow on Friday April 17 between 12-2pm at the Dunmow Clinic.
At the event people will have the opportunity to meet with NHS senior staff and nursing specialists, hear more about the improvements to neonatal care in Essex, discuss proposals and put forward their views.
Anyone with an interest in specialist care for newborn babies is being encouraged to book their place at the discussion event.
The NHS is proposing to improve specialist care in Essex to give babies needing special or intensive care, and their families, the best possible care in local hospitals, and the best access to the highest level of specialised care if they need it.
Chairman of the Essex Neonatal Care Review Clinical Development Group, consultant paediatrician Sarah Dalton, said: "We know that we can improve specialist care for newborn babies even further in Essex in a way that will not only save lives, but will mean better chances of a healthy life in the longer term and support for parents and families.
"Also, we can do more to support our local clinicians to realise their aspirations to provide the best possible care."
Further events are being held in Basildon, Brentwood, Canvey Island, Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Harwich, Loughton, Southend-on-Sea and Tilbury throughout April and May.
For more information, including consultation documents and feedback forms, visit the neonatal pages at www.escg.nhs.uk where you'll also find details about the discussion events and a link to an on-line survey.
Alternatively contact the neonatal team on 01371 877267 or email neonatal@eoescg.nhs.uk
The deadline for feedback is Friday May 29.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here