INDEPENDENTS FOR NEWARK AND DISTRICT (IfND) HOLD A WALK FOR URGENTCARE (WFUC)
A Walk for Urgent Care will be held on Saturday, 19 October 2024, assembling at 10 am in Newark Marketplace and proceeding to Newark Hospital to show support from all sections of Newark and the area for these extended hours. This is the second opportunity to demonstrate to the NHS the depth of feeling and support in the Newark and wider community for Urgent Care services to be 24 hours.
Ms Susan Crosby has a petition , with over 2,000 signatures regarding extending the opening hours of Newark Hospital’s Urgent Treatment Centre from 09:00 to 21:30 (doors close at 21:00) to be open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Susan has now released the following information: Susan says, “We want to have back what we used to have, especially now Newark’s population is growing rapidly. Thousands of houses have been built and occupied in and near Newark over the last 5 years. Many families and the elderly especially find it impossible to get to Kings Mill, Grantham or Lincoln Hospitals outside the Newark UTC opening hours. Much more housing is being built to the South of Newark, also at Fernwood, Farndon and Southwell. Where are these people to go with GP surgery appointments often by telephone only and waiting weeks to see a GP or nurse?”
She adds, “Newark’s NHS and other health infrastructure cannot cope with the demands of our population growth. So, I’m asking people to come out on a Sunday for a couple of hours and collectively get their voices heard.”
Dr. Neil Ross, who will also be marching, says, “In 2010 Newark Hospital Accident and Emergency Department closed its doors. This closure was opposed by 70% of the people in Newark. At that time the people of Newark were assured by NHS Nottinghamshire that: ‘Retaining A&E is not possible. But the PCT has commissioned a 24/7 replacement. As a result, up to 85% of patients will still be treated at Newark, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For the first time, there will be a GP presence at Newark Hospital through the night. This means people will no longer have to travel outside the town to see a doctor.’
Neil explained, “The 24-hour Urgent Treatment service was part of a promise made to residents. In the 15 years that have elapsed since that promise was made, the population of Newark has grown. More young families have moved in, and the Office of National Statistics tells us there are more older people, with complex needs. Further growth is planned and projected. The need for medical care in Newark will always arise 24 hours a day, but now we are told that night care can only be provided at King’s Mill Hospital. That is a 40-minute drive, or a £160 taxi fare, impossible for people living in the most deprived areas of this District.”
“The people of Newark want, need and deserve access to medical care, 24 hours a day. This was the standard promised in 2010, and to remove it now would cause worry to residents, and damage confidence in the future of Newark.”
Susan is asking people to dress in white garments, bring their posters and banners and walk from Newark Market via Bridge St, Baldertongate, Library Gardens, Beaumond Gardens to London Rd, then along Bowbridge Rd to Newark Hospital where we will assemble peacefully to show and share our feelings about the Urgent Treatment Centre. We will have speeches and slogans at the Marketplace starting at 4 pm, but end in a quiet and peaceful assembly on the paths around Newark Hospital on Bowbridge and Boundary Roads, so as not to disturb patients, emergency vehicles and staff. Anyone interested is welcome to join, BYOB (bring your own banner), WFUC T-shirts will be available on a first come first served basis. Show up for Newark Urgent Treatment Centre.
