I firstly want to reiterate that George Eliot Hospital must be able to maintain A&E and Maternity Services and I will do everything I can to ensure it does.
In the Sustainability and Transformation (S&T) Plan document that was released today (Tuesday 6thDecember) full plans and details for the Eliot’s A&E and Maternity services are yet to emerge, what is being proposed in regards to these services is still unclear.
The S&T Plan is a five year proposal which is being worked on by NHS England and local partners to go hand in hand with the NHS Five Year Forward Plan. Its aim should be to provide the best possible health services and sustainability for the future.
I was clear last week that any move to downgrade or amalgamate A&E and Maternity services to Coventry would damage our local hospital and the fantastic service it provides our community. If any such plan was brought forward, I would vigorously fight it and ensure local people were fully consulted on any proposals.
I now plan to meet with George Eliot Staff, local Health Groups and the Department for Health.
The full document and its contents including information on other potential proposals in Coventry and Warwickshire can be read here: http://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/clientfiles/File/STP.PDF