Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group have announced their Acute Service Review Plans for Lincolnshire. They will result in a significant downgrade in services at Grantham & District Hospital. The plans are currently under Public Consultation. In response SOS Grantham Hospital have reviewed the plans and identified a number of key concerns.
A new online petition has been launched opposing the plans. It is now possible to access the online petition from the SOS Grantham Hospital website.
Responding to requests a paper copy of the form can be printed too. This will enable those with computer access to print off and share copies for family members, friends and others in their community without online access.
The link to the site is here: https://sosgranthamhospital.org.uk/how-to-help/
Cllr Charmaine Morgan, Chair SOS Grantham Hospital said: “It is absolutely vital that we once again let the CCG know what we think about the loss of our A&E and other acute services at Grantham & District Hospital. If the changes they propose go ahead we will be left with little more than a cottage hospital. In an acute emergency it is vital that patients can access urgent care from staff able to stabilise, resuscitate and possibly even intubate them if necessary. It is even more important in the absence of emergency stroke care locally.
“Whilst the CCG estimate ‘ a few’ patients will be affected by their changes, even by their calculations it is 700 people who will be put at greater risk. Earlier records of the use of Grantham & District Hospital A&E services and admissions indicate this number could be far higher.
“Our petition has got off to a good start but needs many more signatures to make an impact. Residents and businesses are welcome to Help Us by signing and sharing it. The CCG Consultation paper is misleading and a number of the questions do not reflect the impact of the changes that will be made making it difficult to subsequently assess what we really think. An obvious question is missing. ‘Do you agree with the plan to downgrade Grantham & District Hospital A&E?’
“We are not alone.
“Social media messages from other residents across the County indicate that others are also unhappy with the CCG plans. Lincoln A&E, already overloaded, will be required to cope with even more patients causing further pressure on staff and more delays for all patients and ambulance crews affected.
“Boston residents will lose their local emergency Stroke Unit. We are arguing that we need an Emergency Stroke Unit too. Far from cutting our acute services across the County the CCG should be providing more.
We are delighted to be working with fellow campaigners in Is anyone Listening Lincolnshire? , and, Fighting for Life Lincolnshire. We will be planning further campaign activity.
If anyone would like copies and are not online, or, do not have access to a printer they may request them by contacting me on 07398 156296. If you cannot get out but would like to sign the petition.
Please call. We will arrange a visit.
All printed forms may be returned to SOSGH c/o 45 Harrowby Road, Grantham NG31 9ED.
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