Campaigners vow to fight to save Bitterne Walk-In Centre (From Daily Echo)
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Campaigners vow to fight to save Bitterne Walk-In Centre
9:34am Friday 27th August 2010 in
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- By Melanie Adams » Health Reporter
ANGRY campaigners last night drew up a battle plan to stop the axe falling on a city walk-in centre.
Feelings ran high as the Socialist Party of Southampton hosted a public meeting to protest about the possible closure of Bitterne Walk-In Centre.
Dozens packed the hall in Bitterne, fearing that the vital centre could follow in the footsteps of Shirley, as health bosses consider its future.
Leading the debate, Tim Cutter, said he believed the move would be dangerous to the health of vulnerable and elderly residents and accused NHS Southampton City of being driven by financial concerns.
He said: “The idea of closing any vital facility like Bitterne Walk-In Centre I think is scandalous.
“I’m afraid to say that their excuse of people being confused by having too many services is to disguise a shameful decision that we won’t accept.
“There is no way that we will let up until we get a cast-iron guarantee that this centre will not close.
“This campaign will continue and will intensify and I would encourage you all to join our campaign group to make sure it stays open.”
Many of those present expressed their concerns at the lack of access to treatment in the east of the city if the centre was to go.
Margaret Andrews, 83, from Bitterne, said: “This shows a severe lack of respect for people on this side of the Itchen.
“It’s vital for elderly people and young mothers with children.”
Stephanie Ramsey, from NHS Southampton City, listened to views and told the meeting the Primary Care Trust is currently undertaking a review into unscheduled care across the city and has agreed to a public consultation on the issue over Bitterne.
She insisted no decision has been made and the closure is just one of five possible options, which include a GP-led service or a weekend-only centre.
She said: “I know any suggestion of a review is going to cause some level of anxiety, but we do see a need for continuing this facility.
“Closure isn’t a preferred option, but in fairness, when doing a review we have to look at all the options.”
Comments(18)
butterflygirl
says...
9:52am Fri 27 Aug 10
The Edge of Reason
says...
10:07am Fri 27 Aug 10
Public consultation is all well and good if the results of that consultation is what is implemented.
I hope the NHS Southampton city consult with every household in the East of City and not just a select few, also it won't be the same as the fluoride consultation debacle.
Linesman
says...
10:32am Fri 27 Aug 10
Condor Man
says...
11:12am Fri 27 Aug 10
davesbabe
says...
11:32am Fri 27 Aug 10
Huffybear
says...
11:56am Fri 27 Aug 10
Justabloke
says...
12:13pm Fri 27 Aug 10
“If it isn’t currently meeting its purposes then its role should be developed in line with experience and patients’ wishes so that the healthcare challenges we face in Southampton can be properly met. It would be a real shame if the walk-in centre was simply given up on. It’s too important to close.”
John Denham July 2010
southy
says...
12:28pm Fri 27 Aug 10
Angry of Sholing
says...
12:50pm Fri 27 Aug 10
The Centre is absolutely vital and well worth its cost. If it ain't broke don't mend it!
freemantlegirl2
says...
1:41pm Fri 27 Aug 10
Jasper7
says...
2:16pm Fri 27 Aug 10
Should I pay for that?
southy
says...
2:25pm Fri 27 Aug 10
Jasper7 wrote:its what you call learning to share and not being greedy and wanting it all your way. remember those people from other countries are our guests while they are here.
The shirley WIC was always fillled with addicts and people from other countries, who had not registered with a UK GP.
Should I pay for that?
southy
says...
2:26pm Fri 27 Aug 10
freemantlegirl2 wrote:or join the Socialist party and fight for what belongs to the people.
I'd encourage all of you to write to the Health Authority with those stories, or even contact the Echo if you feel able to. They are absolutely perfect examples of how vital this service is.... wish they would open the Shirley one back up too, there was no bloody public consultation about that!! they shut it on the sly using Swine Flu as a cover....grrr
Condor Man
says...
2:28pm Fri 27 Aug 10
southy wrote:If you went abroad you'd have to take out insurance to insure you'd get medical treatment, the same actually applies over here. It's not a gift, NHS care is bought and paid for out of Income Tax and NI contributions.
Jasper7 wrote: The shirley WIC was always fillled with addicts and people from other countries, who had not registered with a UK GP. Should I pay for that?its what you call learning to share and not being greedy and wanting it all your way. remember those people from other countries are our guests while they are here.
southy
says...
2:42pm Fri 27 Aug 10
Condor Man wrote:there you go then condor the over seas visitors are paying for the service of the nhs also, so it makes it even more important to keep places like this happening.
southy wrote:If you went abroad you'd have to take out insurance to insure you'd get medical treatment, the same actually applies over here. It's not a gift, NHS care is bought and paid for out of Income Tax and NI contributions.
Jasper7 wrote: The shirley WIC was always fillled with addicts and people from other countries, who had not registered with a UK GP. Should I pay for that?its what you call learning to share and not being greedy and wanting it all your way. remember those people from other countries are our guests while they are here.
the last thing you want is visitors coming here paying for medical insurance and not getting any when and if needed. then getting talk about when they get back home, and putting us in a bad light now do you, our tourist trade will go down.
Poppy22
says...
4:59pm Fri 27 Aug 10
Linesman
says...
8:26pm Fri 27 Aug 10
Condor Man wrote:That depends on where you go Condor Man.
southy wrote:If you went abroad you'd have to take out insurance to insure you'd get medical treatment, the same actually applies over here. It's not a gift, NHS care is bought and paid for out of Income Tax and NI contributions.Jasper7 wrote: The shirley WIC was always fillled with addicts and people from other countries, who had not registered with a UK GP. Should I pay for that?its what you call learning to share and not being greedy and wanting it all your way. remember those people from other countries are our guests while they are here.
There are reciprocal arrangements with EEC countries. You get your treatment free, but have to pay for things like bandages, plasters etc.
It does not pay for you to be medivaced home, which is the minimum thing you need insurance cover for
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Tim Cutter leads a protest over the suggestion Bitterne Walk-In Centre may be closed.
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freemantlegirl2 says...
9:40am Fri 27 Aug 10