Following on from the East Riding of Yorkshire CCG’s decision to temporarily close the ward at Withernsea Hospital due to staff shortages and the notices of possible redundancy to ancillary workers, Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley & Holderness said:
“While yesterday's news is welcome that the Secretary of State for Health has asked for the CCG's plans to close the MIUs in Hornsea and Withernsea, and the beds in Withernsea, to be reviewed, this does not allay concerns for the immediate future of the much-loved hospital in Withernsea.
“I was extremely disappointed that new admissions to the beds at Withernsea Community Hospital were suspended due to staff shortages. I know my constituents in the town feel this is the thin end of the wedge. These beds provide an important service to local people and allow patients to receive treatment close to home. People do not want to be stranded miles from their friends and relatives when they are in hospital. There is no substitute for good local hospital care.
“These concerns for the future of the much-loved hospital are compounded with the recent news that ancillary workers at the hospital have been put on notice of redundancy. My constituents see NHS provision in the town being whittled away and fear the town is being abandoned by the CCG. I share their concerns.
“I have made urgent representations to the Chief Executive of the CCG on behalf of my constituents and will continue to fight for local residents to have the access to the NHS care they deserve.”
