New NHS number hits ‘teething pains’
MANY Maidstone area resi- dents are reported to be facing big problems trying to use the new 111 NHS phone number. GPs on the new NHS West
Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) body, which now controls most local NHS purse strings, reported “significant teething problems”, especially at weekends. One GP told the meeting: “There has been a significant number of calls beyond expec- tations and people have been putting the phone down be- cause they cannot get re- sponses.” This has led to many people
with “minor or walk-in” health problems visiting hospital A&E departments, increasing week- end pressures there. Doctors said there was also a substantial increase in patients putting pressure on GP prac- tices on Mondays. The 111 calls are fielded by SECAmb, the ambulance serv-
Fitness club to
become home PLANNING permission has been granted to convert the Old Rectory Health and Fitness Club, near Barming, into a six- bedroom home. Torch Fitness Ltd has decided
to close the health club and gymnasium, which has been trading at the Old Rectory in Farleigh Lane since 1991. A further five-bedroom home
will be built to the north of the Old Rectory, and would be served by a three-bay detached garage with studio. The coach house to the front of the main building is to be converted to a studio and garden store area. The scheme, which has been
given consent by Maidstone Council, involves the demoli- tion of modern extensions to the Old Rectory, together with some dilapidated outbuildings to the north west of the main building. The council granted planning consent on condition that a schedule of repairs for the Old Rectory and the coach house are submitted.
ice, who were said to be aware and pressing on with urgent im- provements. “But it takes time to recruit and train staff,” the meeting was told. CCG chief officer Ian Ayres
said: “It is a quality of care issue.” A spokesperson for SECAmb
said: “The implementation of NHS 111 is at a very early stage in our area. We must recognise that this is a new service for the public and we are still learning about the different reasons why patients access the service and the most appropriate ways for us to respond to their needs. “We recognise that there is a
need for improvement,which is why we are working closely with commissioners to resolve any issues. “SECAmb, along with all parts
of the NHS, both in our region and nationally, is extremely busy. Demand in all areas has risen to levels far in excess of ex- pectations throughout 2012-13.”
Physiotherapist
takes back seat A PHYSIOTHERAPIST who started Maidstone Physiother- apy and Sports Injury Clinic 34 years ago is passing the busi- ness on to her daughter-in-law and taking semi-retirement. Rosalyn Carley (pictured),
who lives near the London Road practice in Allington, will work two ses- sions a week. She said: “I
willbeableto continue doing what I love best, treating pa- tients, without having to worry about the administration!” Anna Carley, who joined the practice in 1999, will take over with her team consisting of Helen Hewett, Jo Cunningham, Richard Reid and Susan Ball. The clinic treats pain, stiff joints, post-surgery and sports injuries as well as paediatric and women’s health. Mrs Carley added: “I would
like to wish Anna and her new team every success.”
Squatters hit by second eviction A YOUNG man and woman were arrested when bailiffs evicted a group of squatters from a disused NatWest bank inMaidstone. The squatters, who moved into the Bank Street building after
being evicted from the old Maidstone library in St Faith’s Street, were evicted by bailiffs acting for the Royal Bank of Scotland, which owns the property, with support from police. A 17-year-old youth was arrested for a public order offence and possession of a controlled substance and a 19-year-old womanwas arrested for a public order offence. Thewoman was cautioned and the youth bailed untilWednesday
June 12 - but the same pair were then rearrested for criminal dam- age and stealing electricity. A group of up to 20 young people got into the library in April after it had lain empty for almost a year.
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