Hunt aide backs axe at own site
A NEW health minister is backing plans for her own local hospital to be closed to make way for housing.
Theresa May appointed Jackie Doyle- Price on Wednesday. But in her election campaign in Thurrock, Essex, she defended shutting Orsett Hospital.
Challenged at hustings, she said: “NHS trusts should be free to sell that land. That’s exactly what’s going to happen with regard to Orsett Hospital.”
Basildon Hospital would become the area’s main emergency centre.
Shadow Health Minister Justin Madders said: “It beggars belief that Jeremy Hunt’s new health minister has been trying to close her own local hospital.”
Ms Doyle-Price did not comment, however the Department of Health said: “Decisions on Orsett will be made locally and with full consultation.” GARDENER Simon Rooks, 49, thought he’d dug up a spud but it was actually a First World War hand grenade at his home in Guildford, Surrey.