Archive - Thursday, 7 July 2005


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District councillors offer financial help to stop cutbacks

MEMBERS of Wychavon District Council agreed this week to offer financial help in a bid to stop the front-line cuts proposed at Evesham Community Hospital.

Executive board member for health, Councillor Judy Pearce read out proposals to go to the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust board next month when the council met on Tuesday.

These included part-funding a strategic review of the services at the town's hospital to make sure the delivery of healthcare in Evesham meets the community's needs for the future and is efficient.

Proposals also include consulting the public more, especially where front line services are affected.

The vote was unanimous and the proposals will now be put to the PCT board when it meets on Wednesday, August 3 to consider its budget deficit position.

After the meeting Cllr Pearce said: "We are sympathetic to the situation of the South Worcestershire PCT which has been asked by the Secretary of State for Health to make savings in its already stretched budget.

"But we cannot stand by and watch this knee-jerk reaction which will affect the front-line service delivery at the hospital, including two ward closures, and has sparked outcry from the community.

"I am delighted the whole council supported our offer of help and I hope the board will rethink its hasty decision and listen to residents."