One in four community hospitals under threat

2.27.59pm GMT Thu 16th Mar 2006

Community hospitals in Hampshire are under threat

Romsey MP and Lib Dem health spokesperson, Sandra Gidley, is calling for action to save community hospitals.

Sandra proposed a motion at the recent Liberal Democrat spring conference in Harrogate calling on the Government to address deficits in the NHS budget which have threatened the future of 1 in 4 community hospitals - including some in Hampshire.

Sandra said:

"Deficits in NHS Trust budgets mean that community hospitals in Hampshire are facing cuts and even threatened with closure.

The conference motion called on the Government to re-evaluate its target-driven approach and to ensure that patients being treated in the community do not lose out. It was overwhelmingly carried.

"The provision of good quality care close to home is particularly important for elderly or vulnerable patients," says Sandra.

Related Link:

Read more about the Lib Dem spring conference here.