HIGHCLIFFE and Mudeford Patient Participation Group (PPG) looks to improve the healthcare experience of patients of the practice.

We are gravely concerned by Christchurch Borough Council’s decision to overturn their own officers’ recommendation for approval of the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital Trust’s major development scheme for the Fairmile site.

I have written to a number of councillors inviting their comments, with particular regard to what the council now proposes in order to secure modern healthcare provision in Christchurch.

We must presume our councillors are aware of the benefits to those living in the catchment of Christchurch hospital, not just retention of vital services such as the Macmillan Unit; nor expansion of key facilities such as pathology and x-ray and ultrasound; but also new clinics for eye treatment etc.

When the NHS is under pressure to critically review healthcare provision, and there are opportunities to press for more local provision, this decision appears to fly in the face of the best interests of the residents of Christchurch.

Press reports suggest the decision was taken to preserve an unlisted, empty building; surely it cannot be correct that councillors have placed such a consideration above the healthcare of their electorate?

M PARSONS, PPG Chair, c/o Heila House, Lymington Road, Highcliffe