A VOTE of no confidence in controversial plans to overhaul local health services has been given by Rugby Borough Council (RBC).
The council voted not to support or endorse the Coventry and Warwickshire Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP), which aims to save around £270m over five years.
Under the STP, patients admitted to hospital will be sent home early “even if they have not yet fully recovered” in order to receive care at home and relieve pressure on hospital A&E departments and wards.
Pregnant women would be encouraged to have home births with the support of newly established and expanded community hubs.
The plans also propose supporting people to die at home, promoting weight loss and increasing care for frail patients while keeping them out of hospital.
The STP partners are also looking to reduce reliance on agencies and take on staff from apprenticeship schemes.
Theatres at St Cross could also be replaced in the shake-up.
But the Council refused to support the plans as the potential impact on the borough’s healthcare services is still unknown, and because there has not been a public consultation.
RBC communities and homes spokeswoman Coun Leigh Hunt said: “While we recognise the scale of transformation needed in the NHS in Warwickshire, the plan as drafted takes no account of the role of other public authorities in promoting health and wellbeing and we cannot endorse it.
“We will be in a far better position to help residents stay fit and healthy if the health services, councils, businesses and voluntary and community organisations all work together and play their part.
“Nevertheless, we are happy to take part in future discussions around the plan and will task the local strategic partnership to oversee its development and implementation.”
STPs are an NHS England-led approach to meeting the health and social care challenges of a growing population, budget pressures, and people living longer.
Coventry and Warwickshire’s STP Board is made up of nine organisations including hospitals, mental health and community services, local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups.
The Local Strategic Partnership will be tasked with setting up a Working Party to oversee the development of the STP and its potential impact on Rugby.
