HEALTHCARE services in Lutterworth are set to expand under new plans unveiled today (Monday October 23).
A public consultation has been launched on plans to increase services at Feilding Palmer Hospital in Gilmorton Road.
The proposals include replacing the hospital’s 10 inpatient beds with outpatient and diagnostic services, and increasing outpatient services to around 17,000 appointments per year across more than 25 branches of medicine.
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Integrated Care Board (ICB) says the plans will reduce the distance people travel to receive healthcare by around 200,000 miles per year.
Longer term, the board also plans to create a Lutterworth Health Campus in Gilmorton Road to provide additional health and care services, including mental health, optometry, dentistry, GP practices and local authority services.
Dr Graham Johnson, GP and senior partner at Wycliffe Medical Practice, said: “The population of Lutterworth and surrounding areas is expected to grow by 40 per cent in the next 10 years, and this growth will bring with it greater demand for health services for people of working age.
“Founded in 1899, Fielding Palmer Hospital is a much-loved hospital in the Lutterworth community, but sadly it is no longer fit to provide 21st Century services. Our vision is to provide high quality and modern services closer to home and these proposals will help realise that vision in Lutterworth.”
The plans come in response to increasing demand expected as a result of the 2,700 new homes due to be built in the area, to improve support for people who need physical and mental health services, and to provide more services closer to people’s homes.
David Williams, Group Director of Strategy and Partnerships for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Making these changes will mean more services available to residents of Lutterworth and the surrounding areas, reducing the distance people have to travel for treatment and avoiding costly car parking charges. Overall, it will be better for patients and better for the environment.”
Sarah Prema, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board, added: “I would really encourage people to get involved.
“This is your chance to find out more about what is being proposed and have your say about some of the health services in Lutterworth, to help the local NHS understand what the proposed changes would mean for you and your family, so that we can make a final decision.”
Visit www.haveyoursaylutterworth.co.uk to take part in the consultation before the closing date of Sunday January 14.
Paper copies of the consultation questionnaire are available in venues across Lutterworth, or by emailing [email protected] or calling 0116 295 7572.
Alternatively, write to Freepost Plus RUEE–ZAUY–BXEG, Lutterworth Consultation, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board, Room G30, Pen Lloyd Building, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8TB.
Drop-in sessions to help complete the questionnaire will take place at Lutterworth Library in George Street every Thursday throughout the consultation at 10am-1pm (except November 9, December 28 and January 4).
Sessions will also take place at Lutterworth Sports Centre in Coventry Road on Monday November 6 at 2pm-7pm, and at Wycliffe Rooms in George Street on Thursday December 7 at 10am-2pm.
