Prime Minister Theresa May spoke about the future of Cheltenham General Hospital’s A&E department today.
It has come under speculation in recent weeks and Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions this afternoon.
There have been rumours that Cheltenham A&E would be downgraded or even closed after it was announced patients who suffer broken bones will be taken by ambulance straight to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
NHS chiefs say the move of orthopaedic trauma care to GRH will mean more patients will have planned surgery over the winter. They have denied Cheltenham’s emergency department could be downgraded further or closed.
Mr Chalk said in the House of Commons today: “Cheltenham General Hospital’s A&E is hugely valued by me and my constituents and we want to see it preserved and enhanced.
“Does my right honourable friend agree that the local NHS managers who are currently formulating the draft sustainability and transformation plan must listen carefully to the voices of my constituents and others in Gloucestershire, and ensure that any proposals truly command local support?”
Gloucestershire NHS is working on a sustainability and transformation plan to redraw health services in the county to address population growth in the coming years.
Mrs May replied: “My honourable friend raises an important issue. We are clear that proposals should be developed at a local level by local clinicians, while taking account of and listening to the views of local residents and local constituents on the relevant matters.
“It is important that local people are heard and know that decisions have been taken in the light of any concerns they have raised. I understand that any proposals for urgent care that are developed by the Gloucestershire STP will be subject to full public consultation in due course.”
Article originally appeared on Gloucestershire Live
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