Southport CARES for children
Wednesday, 27 August 2003
Open letter to Southport Press regarding Strengthening of the Steering Group
Dear Editors
Recently there have been several letters in the local press showing differing opinions within the CARES group regarding views on a proposed Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) and campaign policy. The local community who have supported us so well deserve to know what stance we take and why.
CARES originated from a parent movement on the basis of three key objectives and principles agreed at a public meeting 25th June 2003. These were, and still are, to campaign for the reinstatement of our Children’s A&E department, Maternity Unit, and children’s ward at Southport Hospital. The principles and overarching aims in placing this issue above personal and/or political gain were agreed as the foundation of a cohesive campaign supported by teamwork and collective aims and values.
Since forming in June, some members of the Steering Group committee have sought to focus their energies in other directions. As a volunteer led group with limited resources it is proving extremely difficult to make progress with this degree of tactical campaigning being undertaken. The CARES founding strategy has always been to seek the full restoration of the three services for our children and expectant Mums at Southport.
We believe that those who are taking a different path and approach than originally agreed should now go their own way and focus on what they consider is the right approach. The original aims and principles of the CARES campaign strategy, as agreed by the public, are still in place. We cannot waste time promoting a Minor Injuries Unit or respond to diversions to the campaign.
The CARES Steering Group has been strengthened. The latest members/specialist advisers appointed by the public share these agreed aims. We now have a strong and cohesive campaign that will enable us to work effectively for the full restoration of our three vital services.
We cannot be diverted from our aims by time consuming and unproductive distractions from our cause and we can only succeed by moving forward in unity. To those who have taken a different path we wish them well. We will continue to focus the campaign on the restoration of our lost Hospital services.
Cath Regan & Angela Weatherby
Co-Chairpersons for CARES
C/O 192 Sandbrook Road Southport PR8 3RW.
Tel: 01704 571920 or 530026 Fax: 01704 574143
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Coalition Against Removal of kids Emergency & other Services
Please note the dates of the next CARES public meetings at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Hoghton Street (opposite YMCA):
7.00 pm Wednesday 24th September
7.00 pm Wednesday 22nd October
7.00 pm Wednesday 19th November