PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE
Government Hospital U-turn Gives Hope For Kent & Canterbury Hospital
Local hospital campaigners are celebrating following a government U-turn over the way the decisions about the future of the Kent & Canterbury Hospital will be taken.
Junior Labour minister Hazel Blears has now confirmed that despite previous government statements to the contrary the downgrading of services at the Kent & Canterbury Hospital has been referred to an Independent Reconfiguration Panel. The Panel will now contact the local council and other organisations and individuals in the area before making its recommendations.
" This is excellent news," said Liberal Democrat Council Leader Alex Perkins. "The panel which will be chaired by a GP and hopefully this means that the decision has been taken away from the politicians in Whitehall and handed back to the people who really care. The City Council will now be a major contributor to this latest round of consultation and I can tell them now what the message will be:"
"HANDS OFF OUR HOSPITAL. WE WANT FULL ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY COVER IN A FULLY EQUIPPED MODERN FACILITY! STOP TINKERING WITH LOCAL PEOPLE'S LIVES AND ADMIT YOU WERE WRONG!"
"The battle for the K&C has reached a crucial stage," added LibDem hospital campaigner Dr Christian Farthing. "This is a step forward but we do not yet have the decision we need and require. We must keep up the pressure and let the government know we won't be short changed!"
FROM: CLLR. ALEX PERKINS (Lib Dem Leader Canterbury City Council)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE ENDS
Contact Alex Perkins 07818 403049