RESIDENTS have again been urged to come out in their hundreds and quiz the primary care trustÕs chief executive over its plans to close the ward at Chase Community Hospital.

Gill Duncan will be attending TuesdayÕs (NOVEMBER 20) north east area community committee where local residents will, for the first time, have the chance to tell their stories and air their concerns directly to the chief executive.

Mrs Duncan has been invited to the district councilÕs meeting to explain in detail the proposed changes to the provision of health services for elderly people at the hospital.

The North Hampshire Primary Care Trust and North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority plans to expand a pilot Community Intensive Support Service scheme in an effort to tackle bed blocking problems in the north of the county.

Once the CISS scheme is expanded the number of beds throughout north and mid Hampshire will be reduced meaning, health bosses argue, that the 16 GP and consultant beds at the Chase will not be needed.

Plans to relocate the remaining eight EMI beds at the community hospital to Basingstoke have already been approved meaning that the hospital would loose all 24 beds and the ward would then close.

Chairman of the community committee Richard Hope said: ÒThe health

authorityÕs proposals will affect everyone in the area, particularly older

people and those with responsibility for the care of an older person. Ê

ÒIt is important that as many people as possible come along, find out more about these proposals and make sure their views are listened to.

ÒAll those attending the meeting will have an opportunity to put forward their views on the proposals and to identify their concerns about health and social care provision for older people.

ÒEveryone will be encouraged to ask questions and take part in the discussions.

ÒThese meetings provide a real opportunity for local people to make a difference and have a say on what is happening where they live.Ó

TuesdayÕs meeting follows a meeting in Bordon earlier this month when health bosses were bombarded for two and a half hours by concerned and residents who were making the case as to why the ward should remain.

Many argued that the plans, which would save £509,500 helping to reduce a north Hampshire deficit of £3.6 million a year, would mean patients receiving treatment in Basingstoke making it harder for visitors and loved ones to visit them.

Campaigners hope that as many people attend the committee meeting as attended the first public meeting.

Already a letter writing campaign has gathered momentum and chairman of the Chase League of Friends, John Moody, told The Herald that a large number of residents had added their names to a petition to keep the ward open.

The north east area community committee is also due to discuss the funding of a community development worker for Bordon and the Heatherlands Estate in Headley Down and the use of developersÕcontributions.

The north east area community committee is meeting at Liphook Village Hall in Headley Road starting at 6-30 pm.