HEALTH bosses are issuing a rallying call for patients and the public to join a debate on how the NHS will cope with the aging population and spiralling costs.

Reading’s two Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) are hosting a second Call to Action meeting on Tuesday, bringing together health professionals, patients, carers and families who will put their heads together to solve the cash crisis facing the borough.

At the last meeting in November, Dr Rod Smith, chairman of the North and West Reading CCG, admitted the aging population is expected to increase hospital admissions by 7% in the next two years and that the town’s health providers are facing a £10m deficit by 2016.

Speaking at the meeting Dr Smith (pictured right) said: “If we stand here and do nothing we will be £10m overspending

by 2015-16. It is not about privatising or charging or restricting access, it is about using the resources we have more effectively to meet the £10m challenge we face if we do nothing.” The four CCGs in Berkshire West – covering Wokingham, Reading and Newbury – are already taking measures to address the financial deficit, including spearheading an innovative ‘hospital at home’ scheme.

Frail and elderly patients will be assessed and diagnosed at the Royal Berkshire Hospital before being taken home, where equipment will be set up providing hospital-level treatment.

The Call to Action, issued by NHS England, aims to engage with patients, families and carers across the country to gather feedback on how the health service can remain free at the point of delivery, but continue to support the aging population and increase in long-term illnesses.

The second meeting will be held at the Meadow Suite, Park House, in Reading University’s Whiteknights campus from 7-9pm.