‘No plans to close Thame hospital’ says Trust

IN response to Wednesday’s report about concerns for the future of Thame Community Hospital, Amelia Williamson, Head of Communications for Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust told Thame.Net : “We would like to reassure people that there are no plans to close Thame Hospital. On the contrary, we want to expand and provide more care closer to people’s homes.

“Over the last year we have been working with our partners, staff and the public to discuss and develop a vision for ‘community hubs’ – exploring how we can bring together health, care and the voluntary sector to support people to manage their health and wellbeing.

“These discussions are still ongoing and we are committed to continuing to involve our communities and create hubs that will best meet the needs of local people.”

When pressed further to answer specific questions arising out of Dr Ken Burch’s expressed concerns, i.e. Is it intended to close all the beds at Thame Hospital? Is a pilot scheme to be carried out and what exactly is to be piloted?, Ms Williamson said:

“We are in the process of finalising plans so are not in a position to respond to your specific questions at this time. We will be happy to clarify next steps as soon as we are in a position to do so.”