Healthcare debate brings in crowds

Around 100 people turned out on Friday to debate issues surrounding the future of the NHS in Sudbury.

The two-hour event at St Peter’s, organised by Sudbury Watch, brought together 10 panellists to answer questions about healthcare.

They included professionals from West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, West Suffolk Hospital and the Norfolk and Suffolk Mental Health Trust, as well as the area’s prospective parliamentary candidates.

Peter Clifford, chairman of Sudbury Watch, said the debate gave the public an opportunity to put their questions directly to the panel.

Several big topics emerged from the questions submitted, including the treatment of mental health, whether there will be any cuts to services in Sudbury and the role of private companies within the NHS.

Mr Clifford said the debate also allowed for a discussion on Connect Sudbury – a new NHS-led project aimed to promote joined-up services, including health, social care, the voluntary sector, policing and local councils.

“It was an opportunity to bring it to people’s attention,” he said.

“Watch intends to continue keeping a general brief to try to address issues on health that crop up in Sudbury.”