CHANGES to healthcare in Liverpool were debated by the public again yesterday – one year after the first consultation of its kind was held in the city.
The Big Health Debate – One Year On, was an opportunity to discuss plans which will overhaul the way patients receive care in the city, including the reduction in size of hospitals and the creation of numerous “super surgeries” and three treatment centres across Liverpool.
The event at Aintree Racecourse mirrored the first Big Health Debate held last year and updated people on progress made with the plans, which include longer opening hours for doctor’s surgeries and minimising the distance people have to travel for their health care.
Norma Lee, who works as a volunteer with young people in Kensington, said she was happy with the outcome of the event.
“I came last year and it is so encouraging to realise that our views were listened to,” she said. I think the new plans will definitely help the people I work with, as healthcare will be easier for them to access.”
Issues such as alcohol consumption within the city were also discussed in the wake of figures showing Liverpool has the highest rate of drink-related hospital admissions in the country.
John Kearney, from Walton, who also took part in the debate, said: “The NHS should not be telling us how much to drink – that is up to the individual.”
Fifty people, including members of the public and healthcare professionals, took part in the event, organised by Liverpool Primary Care Trust.
Further meetings will be held throughout November – details on www.liverpoolpct.nhs.uk/
