A judicial review into the closure of the A&E department at Grantham hospital’s A&E begins at London’s High Court this week.
The case before Mr Justice Linden has been brought by campaigners fighting for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust to reinstate a full accident and emergency facility for the town.
Campaigners say United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has persistently challenged the accusation that their decision to remove Grantham Hospital services in June of last year was both ‘unlawful’ and ‘irrational’ The trust claimed this action was ‘temporary.
When first announced last summer, the move sparked protests at Grantham and District Hospital against the downgrade, with protesters showing their support for staff..
Chair of SOSGrantham Hospital, Coun Charmaine Morgan, has supported the legal challenge since the cuts were first made, she will also be a witness in the case.
She said: “Solicitors Irwin Mitchell have provided confirmation the Judicial Review hearing Jayne Dawson v. United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust (case number CO/3239/2020 (Dawson v ULHT) Is to go ahead Thursday 4 March.
“Interested parties must register with the court and log in to hear the case before 10:20.
“Whilst delighted after months of battling, all efforts by ULHT to avoid court have failed, it is with a very heavy heart that the case has been put forward. It is clear little risk assessment was done to identify the impact of the decision on Grantham and surrounding area communities.
“In particular the needs of those with protected characteristics were not adequately considered leaving elderly, disabled, low income households and children most affected by the changes. Cancer patients were forced to travel cross-county for phlebotomy tests and blind people had to go to Louth for eye tests in the middle of a pandemic when their travel should have been minimal.
“Jayne has undergone huge personal trauma this year and required surgery. She has been very courageous and determined to see this through.
“She has had to travel cross county for treatment as a result of the decision made by ULHT. On the most recent occasion having to use 3 connect buses to access services at Boston. It has been an honour to work with her.
“The Trust originally argued all service cuts were temporary. The only way this will be believed, given their track record with the temporary closure of our A&E at night, is if all services are fully restored.
“It is not clear if a decision will be available on the day but whatever the outcome this must send a clear message to ULHT that they cannot chop and change and cut services at Grantham & District Hospital without due process either now or in the future.’
“United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust have persistently challenged the accusation that their decision to remove Grantham Hospital services in June 2020 was both ‘unlawful’ and ‘irrational’ . In particular ULHT failed to consult with the public prior to making changes to A&E, medical ward and Outpatient Services which resulted in thousands of vulnerable patients being forced to travel cross county at the height of the first Covid19 wave.
Jayne said:’ I want the services they took from us restored. I want my local A&E back. It is as simple as that.’
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