I COMPLETED the Clinical Services Review questionnaire the other day on the future of health services in the county.

If you haven’t already done so, I offer a few remarks:

  • The document outlining the proposed changes is quite long and complicated. It’s probably easier to use in hard copy than on line, because when you get to the questionnaire it refers to the various sections and you might want to refresh your memory without skipping between screens and lots of scrolling;
  • my answer in most sections was ‘I don’t know’. This is because there are too many variables and unknowns to be able to foresee the likely outcomes;
  • the ‘transitional services between Weymouth and Portland and Yeovil’ was a puzzling section and I wasn’t sure what it really meant. However, I pointed out what the public transport route between Portland and Yeovil was like;
  • the improved technology will be very useful - viewing x-rays remotely and more telephone and Skype appointments, but these things can be provided without any of the proposed relocations; The greatest need in the NHS - and care in the so-called community - is more personnel, and this isn’t addressed by the consultation at all.

The most striking element of the proposals was the number of times it told of the lives that would be saved when all these new and improved units had 24/7 working hours, but there was no mention at all of how this state of affairs was going to come about.

The second most startling element was that the introduction by the head of the Clinical Commissioning Group, began by saying that there was “no money” and then the consultation went on to list all the new-build and refurbishment that is planned, costing tens of millions.

And that’s not to mention the cost of the consultants who cobbled it all together, and the designer of the insultingly patronising ‘YourNHS’ logo The real objective couldn’t be clearer: they intend to upgrade and streamline the infrastructure in preparation for privatisation.

I hope people aren’t put off by the wordiness of this consultation but will all take the opportunity to say what they think of this dishonest and cynical exercise.

Visit dorsetvisionnhs.uk without delay.

We have until February 28.

LYNNE CROWE

Fancy’s Close Portland

Want to respond to this letter? Email letters@dorsetecho.co.uk post: Have Your Say, Dorset Echo, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD