South Ribble MP backs calls for partial A&E re-opening

South Ribble MP Seema Kennedy has joined calls for A&E services to open part-time at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.
MP Seema KennedyMP Seema Kennedy
MP Seema Kennedy

Mrs Kennedy has written to Karen Partington, chief executive of Lancashire Teaching Hospital Trust, saying she is “dismayed and perplexed” regarding the downgrade of the Accident and Emergency department earlier this year.

She said: “At this point the Trust have had over six months and an uncapped budget and yet are still failing to recruit a sufficient number of doctors to staff the department.

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“It appears that this situation is unique to Lancashire Hospitals Teaching Trust, which leaves me dismayed and perplexed.”

She claims she was reassured by hospital bosses that the situation would be temporary, but questionned the announcement a reopening could now be delayed for another six months.

Mrs Kennedy added: “I echo Lindsay Hoyle MP’s call that there needs to be a way to provide accident and emergency services on a part time basis until the department can fully reopen.

“I fear that not reopening the service in short order is dissuading doctors from applying.

“This situation requires urgent intervention and I am urging the Trust and all other relevant bodies to provide at least partial services as soon as possible.”

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