Local residents, members of the public, county and ward councillors are ‘deeply concerned and greatly disappointed’ by the decision to not invest in a Community Diagnostic Centre at the town’s hospital according to the Bridlington Health Forum (BHF).
A spokesman for BHF said: “The proposal would have provided the much needed Community Diagnostic Centre for the town and beyond.”
At a multiagency meeting on Monday 19th June 2023, Dr Simon Cox, the Integrated Care Partnership Director, announced that instead, there will be visiting mobile MRI and CT scanners at certain times to Bridlington Hospital.
“This news came as a shock – as other towns such as Scarborough, Beverley, and Withernsea are receiving investment to improve their diagnostic facilities.”
Councillor Jayne Phoenix shared her dismay, saying: “After attending the meeting of the ICB’s multi-agency meeting with members of the Bridlington Health Forum, I was extremely disappointed to find out that, after months of waiting to see if Bridlington would be given a Community Diagnostic Centre, we would only have mobile scanners periodically visiting Bridlington hospital and no investment into a diagnostic centre.
“This is yet another example of other towns receiving funding while Bridlington continues to be a coastal desert regarding healthcare investment. I ask the question, What about Bridlington?”
“This is a travesty for Bridlington, the largest town in the East Riding that is increasing in size, with the worst health inequalities and the furthest for residents to travel for secondary healthcare.
“We urge everyone to voice their concerns to their MP, Ward Councillors, the Integrated Care Board and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Leader in order to help apply pressure to have improved diagnostic facilities within the town.
“This will help to improve the speed of diagnostic tests, reduce travel for local residents and may in turn attract more GP’s and healthcare staff, which is desperately needed.
The next BHF Public Meeting is 15th July 2023 at Bridlington North Library at 10:30.
“This is an excellent opportunity to update on this issue and we have the Cabinet member of the ERYC Adult Health and Care attending. Wheelchair access and parking are available either in the Library car park or at the Coop.” added the BHF spokesman.
