YOUR opinions play a vital part in helping local NHS organisations plan and shape future services to meet the healthcare needs of patients in County Durham and Darlington.

We have launched two public consultations and want to hear your views on our proposals for Inpatient Rehabilitation Services on Ward 6, and Stroke Rehabilitation Services currently being delivered at Bishop Auckland Hospital.

Ward 6 provides nurse-led care for patients who are medically well but unable to return home. The service has limited therapy input, and is not a specific rehabilitation facility.

We are proposing to re-provide the service on Ward 17 at Bishop Auckland Hospital, with nurse-led care and dedicated therapy to help patients return home sooner, supported by our community services.

Some stroke patients, around 20 per cent, who require long term acute specialist rehabilitation following treatment on the hyperacute stroke unit at the University Hospital of North Durham, are currently transferred to Bishop Auckland Hospital.

We are looking to offer better transition between services, and are proposing to consolidate stroke rehabilitation alongside the current stroke unit, at North Durham, with patients and staff on one specialist site providing continuity of care. We are also investing in specialist community-based stroke rehabilitation teams to ensure people are supported once they leave hospital.

We want you to be able to contribute to our discussions:

We will be holding four public events for each consultation. These will provide opportunities for you to hear presentations and share your views.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Services on Ward 6 Public Consultation Dates

Saturday, November 9, 10am - 12pm, at The Witham, Barnard Castle, DL12 8LY

Tuesday, November 12, 1pm - 3pm, at St Augustine Parish Centre, Darlington, DL3 7TG

Thursday, November 14, 6pm - 8pm, at Bishop Auckland Football Club, Bishop Auckland, DL14 9AE

Thursday, November 28, 10am - 12pm, at Durham Town Hall, DH1 3NJ

Stroke Services Public Consultation Dates

Saturday, November 16, 10am - 12pm, at Bishop Auckland Football Club, Bishop Auckland, DL14 9AE

Tuesday, November 19, 6pm - 8pm, at Durham Town Hall, DH1 3NJ

Thursday, November 21, 10am -12pm, at The Witham, Barnard Castle, DL12 8LY

Thursday, November 26, 1pm - 3pm, at St Augustine Parish Centre, Darlington, DL3 7TG

You can share your comments and register for our public events by e-mailing: my.view@nhs.net or call our answerphone service on 0191 389 8609

Electronic questionnaires for both consultations are available online at www.durhamdaleseasingtonsedgefieldccg.nhs.uk, https://northdurhamccg.nhs.uk/ and https://www.darlingtonccg.nhs.uk/

Paper copies are available on request.

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