Columnist Swanny pledges A&E support from his hospital bed after fall

A Lancashire Post columnist has pledged to do '˜all in his power' to save an under-threat hospital A&E department after receiving treatment there this week.
Dave Swanton's broken ankleDave Swanton's broken ankle
Dave Swanton's broken ankle

Dave Swanton suffered a broken ankle and cut head in a fall on the driveway of his home on Monday.

He was taken to Chorley and South Ribble Hospital and treated in A&E – which has been operating on a 12 hour basis for over 18 months following closure in 2016. An ongoing campaign is desperately trying to fight off any plans for its full closure.

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Dave, 61, who was also treated at the hospital for a heart valve condition earlier this year, was full of praise for the hospital staff.

He explained from his hospital bed yesterday: “I had a heart issue in March and Chorley looked after me and did a great job. On Monday, I’ve been loading some stuff in my car and it looks like I slipped and cracked my head on the curb. As I slipped I blacked out.”

Leyland-born Dave lives in Whittle-le-Woods with his wife Carole, 61, who he said “stemmed the blood” from his cut head before he went to hospital where a broken fibula was confirmed.

“There’s no way they can shut this place down because they do a great job,” said Dave, of the hospital and its staff. “They deserve the best, the people of Chorley deserve the best. I just think it’s scandalous what they are trying to do to this hospital. Rather than shut it down, it should be expanded. Once I get out of here I will do all I can in my power to bring it to the fore.”

As well as writing a column for the Post, he is also a Radio Lancashire broadcaster.

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