A public consultation to discuss the future vision of patient care at a Cromer health care unit has been launched.

Options outlined for Benjamin Court – which has recently come under fire for plans to remove beds – include the development of a new supported care service.

It would also see eight palliative care beds, two intravenous therapy beds and/or chairs, six discharge to access beds, and additional outpatient clinics brought to the unit.

Antek Lejk, chief operating officer for NHS North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: 'We have made proposals for the future of Benjamin Court which we think are exciting and realistic.

'It is now time for people to have their say. We want to listen to people's opinions to help us make the right decision for Benjamin Court and for the people of north Norfolk.

'These plans are about moving forward and we are trying to provide more.'

In addition, the consultation document shows plans for a health and community support hub which would comprise different types of beds and non-bed based NHS and voluntary sector services. This means patients, their family, and carers, would be supported with end of life care too. There would also be support for people who are able to remain living independently.

Anoop Dhesi, chair of North Norfolk CCG and GP at Staithe Surgery Stalham, said: 'With an ageing population, we have to look at our current and future provisions to ensure what we provide meets their needs and makes the best use of NHS resources.

'Bed-based care will always be available for people who need to be in a hospital but we need to make sure the alternative of home-based care is always considered.'

The consultation is being run by NHS North Norfolk CCG with engagement from a steering group, Cromer Town Council and others.

An event where the public can have a say on the proposal will be hosted in Cromer during the consultation period with the exact date, time, and location yet to be announced.

- The consultation document is available on the CCG's website (www.northnorfolkccg.nhs.uk). It will also be distributed widely across North Norfolk and rural Broadland.