Prime Minster says he is assured closure of A&E is only temporary

» BORIS Johnson has said he is “assured” the closure of Cheltenham General Hospital’s accident and emergency department is temporary.

The Prime Minister made the comment yesterday, September 30 at Prime Minister’s Questions when Tewkesbury MP Laurence Robertson asked if he could ensure Type-1 A&E status returns “sooner rather than later” to the hospital.

Cheltenham General’s A&E was temporarily shut earlier this year until next Spring as the local NHS trust prepares for a potential second spike in coronavirus cases.

It was turned into Minor Injury and Illness Unit, operating 8am to 8pm seven days a week, initially for a period of three months in June.

Campaign group REACH have previously expressed concerns that the coronavirus pandemic was being used “as the pretest for a quiet downgrade” of Cheltenham General Hospital.

The Trust has repeatedly said it “remains committed” to the return of Cheltenham General Hospital’s emergency department status.

Speaking in the parliamentary question session, Mr Robertson said: “Does the Prime Minister believe in the value of local accident and emergency units?

“Will he work to ensure the return of the A&E in Cheltenham General Hospital?

“The local hospitals trust has said it will return, but can he try to ensure it returns sooner rather than later?”

Mr Johnson replied: “Yes, indeed. I am assured that the closure to which he refers is only temporary.”