Rutland residents are invited to join a virtual meeting next week to discuss healthcare proposals affecting the county.

The event on Thursday 3rd December 2020 between 6.30pm – 8pm will feature a panel of health and care professionals who will share their experiences of using local health and care services.

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

"During the event we will be discussing how we jointly develop a local plan for health and care in Rutland. We want to hear from the community about what we can do to develop services.

"Whether people are interested in services provided at their GP practice, in their own home, at Rutland Memorial Hospital or in another clinic or hospital, and regardless of whether it is treatment for a mental or physical condition, we want to hear from all residents of Rutland."

On the panel will be representatives from Leicester Partnership NHS Trust who provide mental and physical care services, Primary Care Network (representing GPs in Rutland), Rutland County Council and University Hospitals of Leicester.

Andy continued: "We know that these discussions have been a long time coming, but we are committed to picking up these conversations in earnest and to delivering a greater range of service locally, closer to where patients live as is 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."

To join the online event on Thursday 3 December 2020 at 6.30pm – 8pm , see the details below.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Or call in (audio only)

Phone Conference ID: 461 425 589#