Representatives from health organisations, patients and members of the public met with health bosses from Nottinghamshire County Primary Care Trust to discuss some of the proposals last week.

The plans for Ashfield Health Village include:
•The Byron Ward staying as Kirkby Primary Care Centre.
•The Browning Ward to become a 16-bed unit for Rehabilitation Medicine.
•The Tennyson Ward to become a 16-bed stroke and neurological rehabilitation ward.

The proposals for Mansfield Community Hospital include:
•The Holbeck Ward to be used as a diagnostic and treatment centre.
•Chatsworth Ward will house Orchard Medical Practice.
•Bayliss Ward to become either a step-up unit, GP practice or a pharmacy.
•Lindhurst and Oakham Wards to be combined into a 24-bed rehabilitation ward.

It is hoped the proposals, which are subject to a public consultation until 22nd December, will reduce the length of time patients stay in hospital as well as providing more facilities for the area.

But at Thursday's meeting, chairman of the Mansfield and Ashfield Breathe Easy group, Pat Crowe, said not enough was being done to treat the high number of patients with lung problems in the area.
He said: "Let's use this opportunity to set up a ward for people with lung conditions.

"Patients can see doctors at the community hospital rather than having to go to King's Mill and they can save money by not keeping them in.

"And exercise classes, for example, could benefit everyone."

And concern was also expressed that the proposals had already been decided and public opinion would make no difference, although Project Manager Oliver Newbould assured everyone that he was keen to hear their suggestions.

To have your say on the proposals visit www.nottspct.nhs.uk, email pals@nottspct.nhs.uk or write to FREEPOST RRYL SSZT HKGL Patient advice and Liaison Service, NHS Nottinghamshire County, NG21 0HJ.