Big changes to health and care provision are proposed which will affect all Rutlanders.

Therefore, the local company Rutland Community Ventures has set up a virtual meeting on Thursday 3rd December 2020 between 6.30pm – 8pm where local people can discuss with a panel of health and care professionals their experiences of using local health and care services and the proposed changes.

Andy Williams, Chief Executive, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups said: "To hear from Rutlanders and answer questions about the future provision of care, we are bringing together a panel of health and care professionals from a wide range of local health and care organisations.

We know that these discussions have been a long time coming, but we are committed to picking up these conversations in earnest and delivering a greater range of services locally, as close to where patients live as practically possible."

The event will be independently facilitated by Rutland Community Ventures.

Director, Tony Gray said: "We wanted to be sure that the proposals to develop healthcare services, including local hospital services, will not adversely affect us all, so when we were asked to ensure that people know what's being proposed, we decided to support the creation of an opportunity for anyone in Rutland to quiz the decision makers."

"Anyone can come and ask any question. The panel is made up of key people behind the proposal and who really want to hear what Rutlanders think, so you can be sure of answers straight from the horse's mouth. There'll be no planted or pre-arranged questions, just those from local people asked on the night or sent in beforehand. It will be a truly open conversation between the public and the people in charge."

RCV Co-director, Ben Searle added: "Most people either don't know or don't care too much about these proposals. But everyone at some point in their life will be directly affected. Here's a chance to ask questions and to have your say. Next time you or a loved one needs health and social care or support you may well be very glad you did."

The online event will be chaired by RCV and independent of NHS influence. To join in email here: [email protected]