Fears over hospital’s future

Your article on the possible downgrading of services at Scarborough Hospital was dismissed by the York Hospitals Trust deputy chief executive. Health secretary Jeremy Hunt is using the “Sustainability and Transformation Plan” to spin the unpalatable truth of cutting NHS services to a point where it will be privatised and patients will need insurance cover.

A good geographical comparison to Scarborough is the West Cumbria Hospital in Whitehaven.

It is proposed that maternity and major A&E will be relocated to Carlisle 40 miles away (a journey on country roads taking over 30 minutes in an ambulance).

Scarborough is a similar distance to York, Hull or Middlesbrough, a journey that would reduce the survival rates of acute cases.

There is a national “Save the NHS” demonstration in London on Saturday March 4.

A coach from Scarborough and Malton can be booked online, visit www.ournhsyork.eventbrite.co.uk for more details. Tom Farrell Lairs Lane Snainton