Opinion counts

More than 70% of respondents backed a minor injuries unit “plus” open round-the-clock.

Only 16% went for a minor injuries unit “plus” open 7am to midnight.

One of the reasons given for the review was that Newark was a growing town and its health provision had to grow with it.

How can that be justified by reducing the hours of emergency care at the local hospital?

Significantly, the health professionals who run Newark Hospital, Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, also want it to continue providing 24-hour emergency care in the form of an urgent care centre.

That third option was also backed by 4,005 people who signed a petition in the New Year.

So, it cannot be denied that the trust and the people of Newark want round-the-clock provision.

The Save Newark Hospital campaign, led by GP Dr Ian Campbell, also wants it; Newark and Sherwood District Council wants it (despite what NHS Nottinghamshire County originally said); the MP for Newark, Mr Patrick Mercer, wants it; and the Advertiser has, throughout the Newark Healthcare Review, called for a 24-hour service.

Despite this overwhelming public opinion, the NHS Nottinghamshire County board is still being presented with a choice between that and an option to close it for seven hours a day from midnight to 7am.

The review team has said from the outset that decisions would be informed by public opinion.

NHS Nottinghamshire County says the results of the consultation mean it will have to have a “good reason” for going against public opinion.

There surely isn’t one.

Newark Hospital must retain round-the-clock emergency care.