Yesterday Emma spoke in Parliament raising further concerns about the downgrading of South Tyneside Hospital. Emma has been consistent in highlighting the threat to our local hospital since March of this year, she has spoken repeatedly about the risk to clinical services and Accident and Emergency. Hospital Consultants, Governors, constituents and trade unions along with Emma have been campaigning in conjunction with the Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign to fight this recent Tory attack on our NHS.
Just last month the stroke unit was closed at South Tyneside Hospital and moved to Sunderland Royal Hospital, without any public consultation. Hospital bosses have claimed this is a temporary measure but have failed to give clear assurances as to when it is likely to return. As a result South Shields residents who are unfortunate to suffer a stroke may find they have to travel further to Sunderland Royal Hospital, it is feared that this move could place lives at risk.
You can read Emma’s question and the Minister’s response by clinking here
Speaking after questions Emma said,
“It is disingenuous of the Minister to avoid admitting what we all know that Sustainability and Transformation Plans are yet another forced re-organisation of our beloved NHS, that have already resulted in services being lost. To not be outraged at the lack of public consultation happening in South Shields proves just what little regard they have for those who work in and use our NHS.“
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