‘The Moorlands has entered third world healthcare system’

AS SOMEONE who was born and bred in Leek I find it totally inexcusable that the minor injury unit still remains closed along with physiotherapy, X-ray department, wards and blood testing.

Leek used to have two hospitals, and an ambulance station. Sadly one hospital along with the ambulance station are long gone.

We used to have an ambulance on standby along with a first responder/ paramedic based in Leek, these are now gone.

Marcus Warnes has in his generosity allowed blood testing – I believe as long as there’s an ‘R’ in the month or a blue moon.

The Staffordshire Moorlands has in my opinion entered a third world healthcare system, our local hard pressed GPS can only do so much.

I would go so far as to say those unfortunate to suffer a serious complaint such as a heart attack will now probably have a 50/50 or even a 60/40 against chance of survival due to the lack of a quick response now being provided.

As recently as last Thursday, my wife and I went shopping in Morrisons Leek, the time was 12.04pm – only to find when entering the store what appeared to be an elderly gentleman had collapsed in the first aisle.

Shoppers were already around him along with two staff members.

We did our shop and paid for the items and on leaving the store, the ambulance turned up, the time was now 12.45pm.

Now, only a few years ago when my father was alive, we needed to call out the emergency services as he was having a heart attack.

The first responder was there within 15 minutes and the ambulance shortly after.

I’m pleased to say he survived and lived for many years after. I fear