Fighting on

Disillusionment with the outcome of the Newark Healthcare Review is such that the MP for Newark, Mr Patrick Mercer, is asking the Department of Health to carry out an independent review.

NHS Nottinghamshire County’s decision to commission a minor injuries unit plus to replace A & E, albeit open 24 hours, falls short of what was hoped for.

Equally worrying is a notice sent to hospital staff saying that, based on current calculations, a medical ward will have to close due to reduced admissions.

The Primary Care Trust and Sherwood Forest Hopsitals Trust say other patients will be brought into Newark to make up for those no longer treated here.

The final bed numbers at the hospital are yet to be decided but the wards will no longer take medical emergencies.

They will be taken straight to Lincoln or King’s Mill.

Throughout the Newark Healthcare Review categoric assurances have been given that the future of the town’s hospital is not under threat.

Newark, with all the talk of Growth Points and expansion, needs a hospital fit-for-purpose.

There is still an opportunity to influence the future shape of hospital services.

Take time out to respond to the Save Newark Hospital Campaign’s ballot in Newark Market Place tomorrow.

Seek them out to offer your opinion.

More campaigning will take place over the coming weeks and months.

Newarkers and those in the surrounding area are immensely proud and protective of their hospital. The time to show it is here again.