Local hospitals must be protected

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for North Cotswolds, had to visit Cirencester Hospital recently for a suspected broken finger after slipping on ice in the freezing weather. 

He praised the service he received:

"It was a great experience - caring and efficient staff, just 10 minutes waiting time and an X Ray completed quickly and efficiently. Fortunately all was fine - just a badly bruised finger. But it made me think about how important a local and welcoming NHS is.

"We must make sure that we protect and enhance these Minor Injuries Units across Gloucestershire including Cirencester, Moreton and Stroud as they are so valuable.

“With ever increasing waiting times at Gloucester Royal A&E and targets regularly missed, our local hospitals are a way of getting a closer and quicker service for patients. Less travel time means less money spent on petrol or public transport, less waiting and less pressure on Gloucester Hospital. Three magnificent reasons why these much valued NHS locations must be used more and protected from any cuts.”

“I want to see these local gems publicised and a commitment from the Government and the NHS that they will be protected.”