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Friday 4th January 2008

HILARY ARMSTRONG MP HANDS OVER PETITION ON THE FUTURE OF LOCAL HOSPITAL

Thousands of local people from across Derwentside have signed up to the campaign to safeguard a local community hospital. North West Durham MP, Hilary Armstrong organised a petition to demonstrate local support for the retention of Shotley Bridge Hospital in Consett, County Durham.

Concern had been expressed for the future of the hospital following the “mothballing” of a ward in 2007.

Local Health Service bosses recently announced that discussions were taking place over the transfer of ownership of the facility from County Durham and Darlington Foundation NHS Trust to County Durham Primary Care Trust.

Hilary Armstrong handed over the 9000 name petition to Yasmin Chaudry, Chief Executive of County Durham Primary Care Trust at their meeting on Thursday. (3rd January 2008). The petition will be considered by the PCT Board at their next meeting.

Hilary Armstrong MP said;

“This petition from the people of Derwentside underlines the affection people have for their local community hospital. I’m not surprised by the number of people who have signed up to support Shotley Bridge. I want to see NHS services developed in the district and Shotley Bridge Hospital can play a key role in delivering improvements in the future.”

Ms Armstrong continued;

“I am very encouraged by the things I am hearing from the PCT and their plans to take ownership of the site. This will provide some stability and an opportunity to develop a long term plan to provide excellent treatment as close to people’s homes as clinically possible. ”

ENDS

Attached photograph: North West Durham MP, Hilary Armstrong hands over her “Support Shotley Bridge” petition to Yasmin Chaundry, Chief Executive of County Durham PCT.

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