Hospital group call to health secretary

A WORKING group set up by Leek Town Council has now completed a document outlining the reasons why the town’s hospital and its beds should remain open.

The document has been sent to Lord Bernard Ribeiro, chairman of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel asking him to refer the matter to the Secretary of State for Health.

The document has also been sent to Staffordshire Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley, the leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Sybil Ralphs, North Staffordshire MPS and the CCG.

The letter said: “Leek Town Council and the parishes of Staffordshire Moorlands have deep concerns regarding the failure of North Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), to carry out consultation regarding the closure of 37 beds and reduction of services at Leek Moorlands Hospital.

“The CCG has failed to implement your recommendations made in the December 2017 report which stated ‘the CCGS have not responded effectively to the issues raised with them, have not made the case for change, and have not consulted about changes to services.’

“The attached document demonstrates the CCG ignoring, and attempting to circumscribe the requirements for engagement and consultation with the public and their legal mandate. The CCG has conducted a programme of misinformation and denial which is not honest, transparent and genuine, and does not represent meaningful engagement.

“The aim of this approach appears to be to influence public opinion and avoid genuine consultation and codetermination of our future health services.

“Your organisation called for actions from the CCG which they have not complied with and we are therefore asking for a referral to the Secretary of State for Health.”

Chairman of Leek Hospital Action Group, Pam Wood, who is also a member of the working group, said: “We received an instant reply from Martin Houghton, secretary to the IRP.”

Mr Houghton said: “I have, as requested, forwarded these onto Lord Ribeiro, IRP chairman, who has read them with interest.

“I believe that the organisation in your area with the power to report matters to the Secretary of State is Staffordshire County Council. No doubt you will be contacting them.

“Should the county council submit a report to the Secretary of State, it is open to him to seek the IRP’S advice if he wishes.”

Mrs Wood said that a letter would now go to Staffordshire County Council asking them to refer the matter to the Secretary of State.”

Meanwhile the Save Leek Hospital Action Group have sold more than 800 Christmas cards which the group has had printed to raise money in the fight to save the hospital. The coloured cards show parents battling walking through the treacherous snow taking their sick child for treatment at the hospital.

Now the group is looking to have another print run done.

The cards and the envelopes are priced at £1. To purchase the cards telephone Mrs Wood on 07545 447045.

Santa’s helpers, Ed Sims and Geoff Hodkinson with the Tree of Light. A TREE of Light has been placed in Getliffe’s Yard off Derby Street in Leek for people to remember their loved ones this Christmas.The tree has been set up by members of Leek Rotary Club and all donations are to go to Douglas Macmillan.People pay £5 and then their memories and name will be placed on the tree by the rotary club.People wishing to have their loved ones names on the tree are asked to pick up a form next to the tree and take it to either Daniel and Hulme Estate Agents in Derby Street; Leek Post office in High Street or Newbold Opticians in St Edward Street.The forms are then collected by the rotary club.