LEADERS in Cirencester have expressed fears that the suspension of hospital services at the town’s hospital could become permanent and increase waiting lists.
South Cotswolds MP Dr Roz Savage has launched a new petition calling on the NHS in Gloucestershire and the Government to guarantee the long-term future of Cirencester Hospital in Tetbury Road and safeguard NHS services for Cotswold communities.
The Liberal Democrat launched the petition outside the hospital on Monday, December 1, joined by campaigners in the area including the mayor of Cirencester, the leader of Cotswold District Council, CDC and Gloucestershire County Council councillors and concerned householders.
The petition follows the NHS in Gloucestershire’s announcement of a temporary closure of Cirencester Hospital’s daytime operating theatre as part of its ‘Centres of Excellence’ trial.
Householders can sign the petition on Dr Savage’s website under the Campaigning tab or directly via rozsavage.uk/cirencesterhospital
Cirencester mayor Sarah Orr said: “With Cirencester growing year on year, it’s so important for the town to have a functioning hospital.
“We’ve seen departments at the hospital close over the last few years, which just adds the pressure onto Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in Gloucester and Swindon’s Great Western Hospital, which in turn adds to lengthy waiting lists.”
Dr Savage warned any cuts or temporary service-reductions risk putting ‘unbearable strain’ on healthcare in the area.
“My constituents in Cirencester are understandably worried this so-called temporary closure of the daytime operating theatre will in reality become permanent,” she said.
“Our rural NHS services are the backbone of care in the Cotswolds, and they deserve to be protected, not chipped away at.
“This petition is about coming together as a community to make our voices heard and to stand up for the local, accessible healthcare we rely on.”
Joe Harris, GCC councillor for Cirencester Park, said: “Just over a decade ago, we fought against a so-called temporary trial downgrade to Cirencester’s minor injuries unit, which was later made permanent.
“It now feels like history is repeating itself.
“Cirencester Hospital is a jewel in the Cotswolds’ crown, and we should be investing in its services, not cutting them, to help relieve pressure on larger hospitals like Gloucester and Swindon.”
Paul Hodgkinson, GCC cabinet member for public health, communities and fire, added: “Our Cotswolds hospitals are real gems.
“I know householders value them greatly, and we must ensure as many services as possible are retained in order to safeguard their future.”
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