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otherwise be able to offer. For example, some specialist services require a specific population size for sustainability. This is because professionals need to perform a minimum number of procedures each year to keep their skills up to date. As a single integrated organisation, we would cover a larger population and so these services would be protected. Current services can be developed so they are more flexible and accessible. For example, a larger number of clinicians on our rotas will mean more services will be available on a 24/7 basis, with better cover at night and at weekends. By merging the Boards and some management support functions, overhead
costs can be reduced. By joining together the hospitals can be more efficient with taxpayers’ money and will have greater economies of scale and purchasing power. The savings released will be reinvested into frontline care. We understand that our patients and the public will have many questions around how things may work in practice and how it may affect them, their friends or family who need hospital care. We welcome your questions and comments and you can get in touch by phone or email. Email: bettercaretogether@nhs.net Telephone: 01634 830 000 x6761 The latest updates and developments can be found on our website www.medway.nhs.uk
Use ED responsibly Winter is a busy time for the NHS and emergency departments are put under particular pressure not only from conditions like Norovirus and seasonal flu, but also other chronic illnesses made worse by the cold weather. The entire community has a role to play in ensuring that the emergency department operates efficiently and has the capacity to deal with life threatening illnesses or accidents. By considering the alternatives before coming to ED it can lessen the burden on services and ensure patients receive the right care from the right service. For out-of-hours services and details of walk-in-centres, when your GP is unable to see you, visit www.medway.nhs.uk http://tiny.cc/Swale-FB
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