FURTHER to my published letter of two weeks ago I see that an article has appeared in this week’s Gazette attempting to give some sort of support by a local councillor.

I make the following comment and would welcome it being published.

There is no doubt in my mind that there is a need for a Stroke Rehabilitation Unit in Gloucestershire but no reason has been given for the apparent long delay in addressing this gap in what amounts to a national requirement.

Having read the latest article in the Gazette, as a resident and a customer of the NHS, I continue to have concerns about the manner in which change is carried out in the NHS.

The article stated that the ‘proposed’ change of use would future proof the hospital.

This is an incredible statement for a new hospital which surely was only built on the basis of need and therefore, at this stage in its life, should not need future proofing.

It’s existence should only be on the basis of sound strategic decision making when it was built.

It is of concern that the provision for the gap in a national requirement was not thought of by the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group at the planning stage of the hospital build. It does beg the question about the soundness and how long decisions last in Gloucestershire’s NHS?

The comment that only 30% of the beds are used by local people is irrelevant in the context that this is a community hospital, the wider community, and allows patients to recover in a community setting.

The consultation on this matter has been appalling.

Why is a local councillor trying to give assurances about this latest NHS venture and longevity guarantees when in reality she has and can’t have any responsibility for making such a commitment.

How about the NHS making it absolutely clear what its long term strategy is for Dursley Community Hospital as it would seem that through very flaky decision making Dursley will become a much need Stroke Rehabilitation Unit.

Geoff Simms

Dursley