Cllr Susan Crosby’s Statement on Newark Hospital hours extension following public consultation
ON BEHALF OF SUSAN CROSBY, INDEPENDENTS FOR NEWARK AND DISTRICT:
“The reality is that the hours have only been extended by ONE and this will make very little difference to people needing urgent treatment because patient admissions will continue to cease at 9.30pm and sometimes earlier if the unit is too busy.
This decision is certainly not based on the public consultation or the well-known views of the vast majority of residents of Newark and Balderton who already have no access to a local A&E or overnight urgent care. If the decision had been based on the clear needs and stated views of our residents, the UTC would be open 24 hours.
As a councillor for Newark and Sherwood District Council, I have worked relentlessly to try to convince the Integrated Care Board and Sherwood Forests Hospitals Trust of the clear need to restore overnight urgent treatment care at Newark hospital.
I am also leading on the Independents for Newark & District petition to help give a more powerful voice to our residents, which is now over 2,000 signatures including signatures collected by hand. So many worried and frustrated residents are reaching out to us, and we echo their concerns and are here to represent them.
This decision is deeply disappointing, and I am greatly concerned about the future of healthcare provision in the area. With new housing developments proliferating and an ever-increasing population which already suffers from inadequate public services, I fear it is only a matter of time before we will see a further increase in deteriorating health outcomes and avoidable deaths for our most vulnerable residents.
I would like to urge all those who share my concerns to continue to demand better healthcare services in Newark and Balderton and will be keen to work with them alongside my councillor duties.”
Councillor Susan Crosby
Independent for Newark and District, Newark & Sherwood District Council
ENDS
