9 May 2008
On Wednesday 30 April, the local NHS held a deliberative event at the Sutton Holiday Inn to engage with local people on the future of women and children's services at Epsom and St Helier hospitals.
The event was run by an independent market research company called Opinion Leader to ensure impartiality, and participants were chosen to reflect the socio-economic, age and ethnic profile of people using women and children's services at Epsom and St Helier hospitals. The proportion of people invited from black and other ethnic minorities and lower social economic groups was uplifted slightly to make sure that the views of hard-to-reach groups were heard.
Dr Ruth Charlton, Consultant Paediatrician, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust commented: "This has been a fascinating day hearing what local people think about what is important to them in providing women's and children's services. We were impressed with the number of in-depth questions we received on the challenges we face, such as staffing levels, training and recruitment and the European Working Time Directive. The participants raised a number of important issues which will help us look at all the options for developing women and children's services, such as which hospital they might choose and why.
"No decisions have been made yet, and you can see from today's debate what we are doing to make sure we listen to local people's views."
Anne-Marie Ralph from Ashtead said: "It was very useful to hear what the options are for the future of women and children's services and to put my views across."
Jo Land from Wallington commented: "I found it useful to hear from the healthcare professionals running the review on women and children's services. It is great that the NHS is actively getting feedback from people who use these services."
Caroline Land from Merton commented: "The event was very informative. It was very good having healthcare professionals who could answer our questions, and having our points of view listened to."
The event was attended by 126 members of the public, including 45 mothers, 30 pregnant ladies, 27 young women who don't have children yet, 11 grandparents and 13 fathers.
