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Battle against cuts at community hospitals is poised to go national
Alexandra Wood CAMPAIGNERS fighting cuts at two East Coast community hospitals are planning a protest in Westminster in the new year, alongside pressure groups from across the country.
Meetings are to be held across the region over the next three months as part of consultation over reducing beds at Hornsea Cottage Hospital, from 22 to 12, and the axeing of the minor injuries unit.
Under the same proposals Withernsea Hospital's minor injuries unit will also not reopen at night.
The trust involved, Yorkshire Wolds and Coast Primary Care Trust (PCT), faces a projected 12m deficit by the end of the financial year.
Coun Polly Worsdale, who has been at the forefront of the campaign ever since the possibility of cuts was first mooted, said going national was vital.
She said: "Our situation is far from unique and I have spoken to other campaigners in other parts of the country who agree that a national campaign is needed.
"The chief executive of the Community Hospitals Association, Barbara Moore, is keeping me updated with news from other areas on a regular basis, and the association also supports a national campaign.
"I have also spoken recently with Dr John Lister, who is information director for the pressure group Health Emergency.
"They are working with doctors, trade union leaders and academics and also have some celebrities involved including Claire Rayner and Stephen Fry. Dr Lister was also in favour of a campaign trip to London to include groups from across the country, in the new year."
Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, added: "The public must keep up the pressure throughout the consultation period by continuing to campaign and fight for their community hospital services.
"Despite the challenging financial situation, the primary care trust also has a great responsibility to the public. They must assure that existing and future views of the community are heard and acted upon, and consultation must be a vital part of the process.
"By joining other local communities whose hospitals are at risk, groups from across the country can create a united front..."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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