EMPTY WARD AT TOLWORTH HOSPITAL TO RE-OPEN TO HELP KINGSTON’S BED SHORTAGES AFTER MP INTERVENES Edward Davey MP’s campaign for better health services is delivering results for local residents with the re-opening of an empty ward at Tolworth Hospital to cope with bed shortages in the area. After receiving reports that there was a build up of patients waiting overnight in Kingston Hospital’s A&E unit due to bed shortages on other wards, Edward Davey MP also learnt from reporter at the Surrey Comet/Guardian of an empty ward at Tolworth Hospital. The MP immediately wrote to the Health Authority to see if this empty ward could be used to ease the pressure on Kingston Hospital. Mr Davey received confirmation today that Kingston & Richmond Health Authority would adopt his proposal and re-open the ward this week. The Health Authority also raised concerns that the Department of Health has failed to contact them in response to Edward Davey’s submission highlighting potential inaccuracies with the local figures used in the NHS plan. Mr Davey raised the issue with the Department of Health in January 2001. However, after sending a number of reminders to Ministers, they are still refusing to act. Edward Davey MP said, "The Hospital and Health Authority should be congratulated for responding to my concerns about bed shortages so quickly." "Some patients have been waiting over night in Kingston A&E as no bed could be found, and that is not acceptable." "Bringing an empty ward at Tolworth Hospital back into use makes sense whilst these bed shortages persist." "I would like to see this ward re-opened permanently and I will give the Health Authority every assistance to make this a reality." "When Kingston’s new Accident and Emergency Department opens this Autumn, we should certainly have a more permanent solution." He added, "Ministers are either too embarrassed to admit they have made a mistake with their NHS plan or are simply refusing to act. "I have repeatedly chased them to clarify this situation; however it looks like they are trying to sweep this matter under the carpet. "I will continue to press Ministers to address this matter. Kingston Borough must not miss out on funding for local GPs because of their mistakes."
|
Indexes |
