For the latest newsletter, see the Spring 2005 page.

Re-design group. Felixstowe General Hospital.

I am a member of the above group, representing the West End of Felixstowe (South)Residents Association.    Members and other residents may be interested in the following.

Bartlet Hospital.

Although there is mention of three million pounds (recent Press report) in the consultation document (2004) there is no specification available which underpins that figure.

Asbestos. (no plans to close the Bartlet).

The recent discovery of asbestos may become a building issue with more money than at first envisaged to be spent upon it.   Any investment plans would require a public meeting to take place. 

One of the reasons given for demolition of the Herman de Stern, a former Convalescent Home (built 1902) standing on south sea front land was the discovery of asbestos in the building.  It is known, however, that asbestos may be safely removed from older buildings as well as successfully sealed in, with no risk to occupants.

Felixstowe General Day Clinics.

All hospital beds have been moved to the Bartlet, and efforts are being madeto better inform local GP’s and Felixstowe, Walton, Trimley and Kirton residents of the number and sorts of clinics now available at the Felixstowe General.

It has been suggested that, at the point of referral to Ipswich Hospital patients could (if they wish) ask their GP if it is possible to meet with a Consultant and to receive suggested treatment at the Felixstowe General. 

Under-use of facilities currently available could result in closure.   Treatment available at the FGH is equal to that provided at Ipswich; a long and tiring twenty-four miles round trip to Heath Road Hospital could be a thing of the past, less time will be spent in a waiting area, and there are no car parking charges.

The FGH provides Xray, Ultrasound and ECG (heart) facilities, plus a Minor Injuries Unit as well as other numerous clinics, for all age groups. It is also possible for some Cancer patients to receive Chemotherapy at Felixstowe rather than at Ipswich.  Be sure to pick up an information leaflet from the Felixstowe General in Constable Road.

Doreen Rayner, Chairman, WEFRA.   

Felixstowe Town Hall,    7.00pm.   02/02/05/

SOUTH SEA FRONT LAND DEVELOPMENT.

LAST YEAR A COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE AUDIT COMMISSION.

REFERRING TO DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH SEAFRONT LAND, FELIXSTOWE, THEY REPORTED THAT SCDC  “ …did not do sufficient consultation to allay community fears.”)

HAVING BEEN INFORMED THE CABINET IS TO MEET ON 1^st MARCH AND/OR 5^th April TO CONSIDER REVISED PROPOSALS FOR FELIXSTOWE SOUTH SEAFRONT LAND,  I ASKED THE CHAIRMAN, COUNCILLOR DON SMITH, WHO IS ALSO THE MAYOR OF FELIXSTOWE, IF HE WOULD STRIVE TO ENSURE LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE KEPT FULLY INFORMED ON ALL ASPECTS OF A REVISED SEAFRONT SCHEME,  BY WAY OF PUBLIC OR OPEN MEETINGS RATHER THAN BY WRITTEN CONSULATION.

THE MAYOR INVITED COMMENT FROM COUNCILLOR A. SMITH, SCDC CABINET MEMBER, WHOSE REPLY WAS INAUDIBLE FROM WHERE I WAS SITTING!!!!!

NOW, I FEEL THAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF ATTENDING LOCAL RESIDENTS, COUNCILLOR A.SMITH COULD HAVE MENTIONED THE PURPOSE OF THE MARCH 1^st MEETING (SEE ABOVE) AND  “IN ORDER TO ALLAY COMMUNITY FEARS” CONFIRMED SCDC’S INTENTION TO CONSULT MORE FULLY WITH LOCAL PEOPLE ON THIS MATTER.

I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO WRITE THAT I LEFT COUNCIL CHAMBERS CONFIDENT IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT SCDC OFFICERS HAD OUR BEST INTERESTS AT HEART.   I DO NOT THINK THIS IS THE CASE.

Doreen Rayner  (WEFRA).

[WEFRA] [News] [Spring 2005] [Winter 2005] [Autumn 2005] [Contacts]