NEWARK's accident and emergency department is to be replaced as part of a shake-up of the town's health services.

Health bosses say the A&E at Newark Hospital does not have the specialist facilities or enough patients to continue running.

It has no intensive care beds, 24-hour anaesthetics cover or access to major surgical facilities.

This means many emergency patients can't go there and have to be transferred by ambulance because their injuries can't be treated.

NHS Notts County now wants to replace the A&E with a minor injuries unit staffed either by GPs or specially trained nurses with access to testing equipment.

It wants residents in Newark to have their say on what the new service should look like.

The changes are part of a radical overhaul of Newark's health services being announced by NHS Notts County today.

They are being made because Newark's population is set to grow by 45% by 2026, with twice as many over-65s.

The main changes include:

More community care services, outpatient clinics and GPs.

The Friary Ward in-patient facility for older people with mental health conditions such as dementia may not re-open after closing earlier this year.

Patients will have more of their planned operations in Newark without having to travel elsewhere.

Currently, Newark's A&E only sees five patients between midnight and 8am every day – but sends 70 emergency ambulances a month to other hospitals.

Director of communications and engagement Matt Youdale said the proposed changes to urgent care should make no difference to the number of patients treated in Newark.

He said: "This is about ensuring all patients are treated in the right place, first time – saving lives and speeding recovery.

"This is not a cost-cutting exercise. The review is designed to be cost-neutral. Any savings will be re-invested locally.

The move comes as plans are discussed for specialist centres for stroke, heart attack and trauma – all of which are expected to be based in Nottingham.

It is hoped patients will be able to get the best specialist care in a smaller number of centres or be seen without having to go to hospital.

A public consultation on the plans starts on November 30 and runs until March 6 before NHS Notts County's board considers firm proposals in June.

robert.parsons@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk