The vision is an admirable one and one which, should it be achieved, will bring great benefits to users of the health service. However, we would like to make the following observations in relation to the consultation document / process:

In relation to community involvement:
This feedback is based on input from staff of EDRCN and not community activists. Following the consultation evening of Tuesday 14^th, we discussed the possibility of organising a consultation with our member community groups but decided against this.

There were two main reasons behind this decision: firstly, the plan is of such an aspirational nature that it would be difficult to convey the information contained within it to community representatives and secondly; there exists within the community and voluntary sector an element of consultation fatigue unless there are very tangible results for groups in the short term. An indication of this was the low turn out by the community & voluntary sector at the consultation event on the 14^th.

In relation to the 20 proposed Primary Care Units:

Down Hospital has been maintained against the odds and there are plans now to build a new hospital in Downpatrick. If a primary care structure is to be put into the Down area it may make more sense to put it in Newcastle where there is a large population which increases greatly during the summer months. Little change would be noted if such a building were based in Downpatrick.

In addition to such Primary Care Units, there will still be a need for smaller outreach centres in more isolated areas to accommodate health professionals.