Another example of post-truth journalism, this time from the Sidmouth Herald. Under the above quoted headline, this is what the GP ACTUALLY says:
“I share the concern that there won’t be enough provision in the community – that would be my number one concern. We can only reduce beds when we see corresponding change in the community. The timescale will centre on getting the services in place.
“I understand the huge financial pressures within the system, but it’s not in anybody’s interest to do it badly. Getting it wrong will inevitably cost the system a lot more. Moving our services in that direction is the right thing to do and trying to make sure we get the capacity right is very important. It will be a disaster if we do not.”
Dr Mejzner admitted there will always be people who require non-acute hospital care, but argued this could be provided in remaining community hospital beds, or with private sector contracts in nursing and residential homes.
He stressed the importance of responding to the public consultation to inform decision-making and raise issues that might have not been previously considered.
The GP added that if respondents do not agree with any of the four options presented – which each propose bed cuts – it is important that they state why the proposals are wrong in order to help health bosses determine the main concerns and issues.”
Does that sound like he defends current bed cuts?
We have no system in place, and very little chance of getting it in place in a largely rural community where the costs will be very high and suitably qualified staff are difficult to find and will become more so with immigration controls.
East Devon Watch 