Surbiton Hospital & Chant Petition

06.04.06

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, last night joined Members from across the political spectrum in presenting a record number of petitions to the House of Commons to protest against the continued threat to community hospitals.

Following the hugely successful CHANT (Community Hospitals Acting Nationally Together) rally, which took place yesterday, forty five petitions were submitted to recognise the vital role played by community hospitals in providing community based care. The previous record for formally presenting petitions to the House was just twenty-nine in 1985.

Edward Davey, who presented a petition to the House in support of Surbiton hospital, said,

“I was delighted to present a petition on behalf of Surbiton Hospital. By breaking the record, we will force the Government to listen to the will of thousands of people across the country.

“Surbiton Hospital is a vital and valued resource and should not face cutbacks in response to the short-term PCT deficit.

“The recent Health White Paper promised care close to home yet the PCT is still pushing ahead with cuts and closures to the very hospital that can provide it. It is time for Ministers to act to make sure that the PCT has the resources and will to protect vital local services.

“Patricia Hewitt has repeatedly been warned that closures are going ahead. She should issue immediate guidance to local health bosses on how to implement the proposals in the White Paper. Closures are still being driven by financial, not health, considerations, with only token nods to the White paper. This must be addressed by Ministers.”