MP backs protest against health cuts

East Riding Clinical Commissioning Group will be going out to public consultation later this summer over plans, which could see “underused” units in Hornsea, Withernsea and Driffield shut, because people are opting to travel to A&E in Hull instead.

Hornsea League of Friends which battled to save the town’s cottage hospital, when it was under threat a decade ago, said it would threaten all their hard work.

Secretary June Barton said: “We didn’t put up a fight for nothing then, only to have it all whipped from under us. ”

Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said: “Towns like Hornsea and Withernsea have elderly populations, high levels of disability and huge influxes of visitors in the summer. Why is it that the specific needs of urban communities are always afforded additional support but those in rural and coastal areas are to be sacrificed?”

Mrs Barton said following the last campaign the NHS pumped in £2.7m to create a “beautiful” hospital in Hornsea with the League raising £28,000 to introduce ear, nose and throat and audiology services. The League has just committed another £10,000 to palliative day care.

The CCG’s chief officer Jane Hawkard said they would consult “on a number of service options.” They faced “considerable financial challenges” and needed to get the best value for money.

She added: “Inevitably this may lead to taking some brave decisions and choices to change services.”