The NHS will ask an independent organisation to look into its own handling of two much-criticised public consultations on service cuts.
MPs, carers, service users and charities have all complained about aspects of the consultations, which are about the future of the respite centre Favell House and the countywide podiatry service.
NHS Nene and NHS Corby, which ran the consultations that finished today, said they have now taken steps to learn lessons.
A spokesman said: “We have arranged for an independent review of the consultations as part of our commitment to transparency and openness.
“This will also ensure we can learn any lessons on how we can improve our engagement in future.”
The consultations, on community podiatry services and the re-provision of respite care for people with neuro-degenerative conditions, have been running since May 9.
Micheal Ellis MP has called the Favell House consultation ‘a sham’ after alleging it contained leading questions designed to ensure the respite centre’s closure. Carers also complained that public meetings were held at inconvenient times and telephone numbers intended to allow responses were misprinted.
Podiatry service users have also alleged that consultation questions were worded to give the impression that making low-risk patients pay for treatment was the only viable option.
The spokesman said: “We are extremely pleased with the response rate to the consultation and have received over 1,800 survey responses to date.
“It was a valuable opportunity to listen to staff, patients and members of the public and get their views on shaping healthcare in Northamptonshire.
“We appreciate that not everyone was happy with the options originally set out in the consultation. We have listened to what people have said and will reflect on the rich feedback we have received over the coming days in making our final decisions.”
He added: “Having the opportunity to take a full part in Northamptonshire County Council’s Health, Adult Care and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee’s debate about the consultations yesterday was extremely welcome.
“We will respond to the committee’s concerns and recommendations. Our next steps will be to analyse the information we have collated during the consultations.
“As CCGs we are here for the benefit of the patients and public of Northamptonshire.”
To find out the latest updates from the NHS and join the NHS’s public membership schemes, visit either: www.corbyccg.nhs.uk or www.neneccg.nhs.uk