Council leaders meet senior NHS officials to progress plans for Hinckley health facilities

The group had a highly productive discussion about the future of health services in Hinckley.

During the meeting, NHS representatives outlined the reasons behind the Integrated Care Board’s decision to cancel the proposed Hinckley Day Case Unit. It was confirmed that the decision was due to the implementation of national funding models plus patient demand and nothing relating to the council affected the viability of the scheme or the decision to cancel the scheme.

Despite the setback, all partners reaffirmed their commitment to improving local healthcare provision in Hinckley. The council and NHS colleagues have agreed to move forward at pace over the next six months to identify options for an alternative neighbourhood facility for the town.

At the same time, the Council will continue to lobby government in the hope that the decision regarding the investment in a new Day Case Unit can be reconsidered.

Council Leader Stuart Bray said: "We had an open and constructive meeting with senior NHS partners. While the decision on the Day Case Unit is deeply disappointing for our residents, it is important to note that it was not linked in any way to the council. We are now working jointly to secure an alternative neighbourhood health facility for Hinckley, and we will keep pressing Government to review the decision. This work could ultimately support the ambitions set out in the Government’s own 10-year health plan for creating local neighbourhood health hubs, which may benefit our community in the longer term."

Chief Executive Bill Cullen added: "We will continue to work closely with our colleagues at the NHS and our other key partners to ensure that the former district hospital site can still play an active role in supporting healthcare for the residents of Hinckley and Bosworth. We want to build on our successful collaboration which has seen the NHS physiotherapy and occupational health facilities co located at the Hinckley Hub and the new Diagnostic Centre built in the town centre. Our priority is to make sure local people continue to benefit from accessible, well‑used health facilities.”

This statement has been prepared by the council, with senior NHS leaders confirming their agreement with and endorsement of its content.