November 2013 On Friday 8th November, 50 guests – including patient representatives, local councillors and members of the Surrey Downs CCG Board – enjoyed a short tour of the newly refurbished Dorking Hospital ward and gym, followed by tea and cake with patients. Peter Flint, Chair of the Friends of Dorking Hospital which jointly funded the refurbishment work, unveiled a plaque on the new nurses’ station (centre in photo). Dr Steve Loveless, lead GP for the Dorking area (left in photo), and CSH Surrey Managing Director, Tricia McGregor (right in photo), also said a few words.
Dr Loveless comments: “Thank you for inviting me to the re-opening ceremony - it is good to see so many people from differing backgrounds and organisations represented. I have had a long association with the hospital dating back to 1986 and therefore appreciate its value to the local community. These are exciting times for community hospitals in general and Dorking in particular. The Kings Fund work has recognised the need for different care options for certain patient groups and conditions, together with a need for care closer to home – and community hospitals are central to delivering this.
“The commissioning of six additional beds represents a clear statement of intent by Surrey Downs CCG to make better use of our community hospitals. CSH Surrey has worked hard to meet the challenges it faced and I'm sure you'll agree the ward changes are an improvement and that patients are already seeing the benefits. You can rest assured of our continuing support as local commissioners of services.”
Roger Main, patient representative for the hospital is also pleased the six additional beds have been commissioned: “These will take the pressure off A&E – it’s just what we need.”
Peter Flint says: “The Friends of Dorking Community Hospital were pleased to be able to contribute to the new nurses’ station and feel it is a great improvement to the ward. It is good to see the ward in use again and with an increased number of beds. The Friends are committed to enhancing the patient experience at the hospital and look forward to being able to continue to do this in the future.”