On Friday the 25th of March Suella convened the 2022 Fareham Health Summit. The pandemic has thrown up a multitude of healthcare issues locally and Suella has been extremely cognisant of the large volume of constituents writing in to express their concerns. That is why the MP decided to set up the forum, to provide an opportunity for Fareham residents to hear from local healthcare providers and raise questions and grievances.
Suella was pleased to introduce the CCG, represented by Sara Tiller, Managing Director for South East Hampshire and Dr Zaid Hirmiz, Clinical Director for South East Hampshire. Jason Brandon also spoke on mental health and adult social care, on behalf of Hampshire County Council. Finally, constituents were able to hear from Lisa Ward, Director of Communications and Engagement for Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust.
Each organisation delivered a short presentation outlining current work alongside proposed future developments. Notable highlights included a commitment from the CCG to reduce waiting times, alongside developing a new Fareham Health and Wellbeing Partnership. Similarly, HCC assuaged concerns by confirming, that following the closure of Fareham Wellbeing Centre, they are now looking for a new site in Fareham. Additionally, Lisa Ward from PHT provided an invaluable update on the provision and expansion of current services.
Residents were also pleased to hear of the progress that has been enacted as a result of Suella’s Future Vision Report for the Fareham Community Hospital Task Force. Since 2019 the MP has worked hard to introduce a Same Day Access Service, Chemotherapy Unit and Renal Dialysis Unit, for the benefit of constituents.
However, it was clear from the evening’s proceedings that several constituents were unhappy with systemic problems associated with the provision of local healthcare. The majority of grievances were directed towards the absent Sovereign Health Care, who were unable to send a representative due to internal Covid-19 cases. Residents were especially unhappy with the inability to obtain face to face appointments and the perceived inefficiency of the e-consult system. Constituents also called for increased transparency from all local healthcare providers coupled with suggestions for commitments, plans and targets to be published on time.
Suella was extremely concerned by the level of dissatisfaction from residents with the local healthcare providers, noting that it appears that organisations may be ‘hiding’ behind Covid19 when neglecting to see patients physically. It was obvious to Suella that things are not getting better with Sovereign and as a result the MP will be setting up a meeting with Sovereign Healthcare to hold them to account, raise constituent concerns and encourage a plan of action to remedy healthcare provision failures.
Commenting Suella Said:
“It is clear there was a lot of frustration in the room this evening, which is entirely understandable. The lack of face-to-face appointments and the clear failures of the e-consult system are leaving constituents with limited access to basic healthcare services. This is clearly not acceptable. I will therefore be seeking out Sovereign Health Care to discuss their implementation of a robust action plan, that will deliver improved and timely services across the whole of Fareham.”
