The team behind a major review of community hospital beds and outpatient services have promised patients it is "about what’s best for you".

But concerns were raised that it would turn out to be a costly "talking shop" as about 40 people gathered for the launch at Bourne Hall in Ewell on Monday.

Another public meeting will be held at the Elmbridge Civic Centre in Esher tonight.

The review will look at issues such as staffing, patient care and the condition of buildings at New Epsom and Ewell, Leatherhead, Dorking and Molesey community hospitals.

Feb 26: Launch of major community hospitals review across Leatherhead, Epsom, Dorking and Molesey

Nurse Tom Elrick, the clinician employed by the Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group to lead the review, said: "This is about what is best for you and the wider population in Surrey Downs.

Your Local Guardian: He said: "It’s what is best for patients, it’s what will keep patients and the population healthy for as long as possible.

"This is about looking at what the population of Surrey Downs is going to need over the next three, four, five years."

Over coming months, Mr Elrick said he would put his nurse’s uniform back on to spend at least a week working on each of the hospital sites.

The team plan to meet staff and patients, gather data and set up engagement groups by the end of April. Their recommendations will be put together by July, after the General Election.

James Blythe, director of commissioning and strategy at Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group, highlighted recruitment difficulties and a growing number of elderly patients in the area.

Mr Blythe said: "It’s about putting services around that allow them to remain well instead of addressing needs when they become ill."

He added: "We do have to think about where’s best to put these services."

Your Local Guardian:

But Professor David Hawksworth, chairman of the St Stephen’s House patient participation group (PPG), criticised the CCG for not engaging enough with the existing patient groups. 

He said: "I don’t understand why you’re going through this elaborate exercise. What we want are plans that we can comment on and that is what we hoped to see today.

"The people who can make plans are the people employed professionally doing it on the job.

"It just seems to be a talking shop I’m afraid and you are not taking advantage of the structure you have already set up, which has virtually no cost to the CCG."

He also asked how much the review wouldcost at a time when the group had a financial deficit.

In response, Mr Blythe said: "I think we are doing exactly what you are asking for. The reason why we are having these meetings is that we don’t want to do that in the background and not tell anyone.

"We do want views from people and we believe we should go through as many channels as possible.

"I’m sorry if it seems over elaborate but the one thing I absolutely do not want to do is fail to talk to people about what we’re going to do." 

Your Local Guardian:

Jade Brelsford, acting head of communications and engagement at the CCG, said they planned to work with patient groups but would also use other ways to consult as widely as possible.

She said: "This review affects every resident in the area. We are not spending lots of money, we are using as many free resources as we have to hand."

As part of the review there would be public meetings, workshops, project groups, collection of inpatient feedback, newsletters and information at local events.

Dr Patricia Wiltshire, a patient representative for the Epsom locality of the CCG’s area, said: "I have heard a lot of good stuff, you’re aiming to engage with patients in very many ways.

"But it seems very, very optimistic and I can’t believe it’s going to be like that with your vision."

Before the meeting, health campaigner Jane Race said: "Community beds can help when winter pressures arise in district hospitals and can also be used for respite care and other non-emergency care.

"It must be easier, if nursing care is required, to look after a small ward of patients than to care for the same number of patients properly in their own homes."

To read the full report click here 04-community-hospitals-review.pdf

Other Community Hospital Services Review launch events:

Council chamber, Elmbridge Civic Centre, High Street, Esher; Wednesday, March 4; 7 to 9pm
Burford Bridge Hotel, Dorking; Thursday, March 5; March, 7 - 9pm, 

Visit www.surreydownsccg.nhs.uk