Moorview Action Group to hold own meeting (From Witney Gazette)

Moorview Action Group to hold own meeting

9:00am Wednesday 5th April 2006 in Witney By Andrew Alexander

CAMPAIGNERS in Witney calling to save the Moorview Hospital are angry that a public consultation meeting is being held in the afternoon when many people are at work.

The hospital, which treats older people with mental health problems, may be closed to help plug a projected £7.2m hole in the Oxfordshire Mental Healthcare NHS Trust's budget.

The North Oxfordshire PCT Partnership is asking the public for its views on the plans on Tuesday, April 11, but campaigners have decided to hold their own meeting as well.

Richard Leader, from the Moorview Action Group said: "The PCT is holding its meeting between 2pm and 4pm. In every other town in Oxfordshire they're holding an afternoon and an evening meeting, yet Witney has the only hospital that's likely to close. We think they're purposely trying to carry out the consultation at a time when most people are at work, so we're holding our own meeting."

Last Thursday, Mr Leader spoke to the joint health overview and scrutiny committee at County Hall, Oxford.

Simon Hoare, from West Oxfordshire District Council, who sits on the committee, said: "The consultation paper refers to the likely use of day centres as a replacement, and I don't think likely is good enough. And then, what happens to people in the evenings and at weekends?

"What happens to people in the evenings and at weekends?"

Simon Hoare, from West Oxfordshire District Council

"This will increase the burden on carers, on relatives, who, because they love the family member, feel they must rise to the challenge."

* The public meeting organised as part of the PCT partnership's consultation is being held between 2pm and 4pm on Tuesday, at Langdale Hall, Witney * It will be followed by a special meeting of the district council's economic and social overview and scrutiny committee, to discuss the matter, at 5pm in the district council offices, at Wood Green, Witney * The Moorview Action group's public meeting is being held on Thursday this week, at 7.30pm, in the Corn Exchange, Market Square, Witney * Anyone who would like to comment on the proposals in writing should do so to the North Oxfordshire PCT Partnership, Freepost RLZA-KJZG-SGTX, Indigo House, Banbury Business Park, Aynho Road, Adderbury, Banbury OX17 3NS.