Are we finally getting somewhere?

Children's A&E services may be returning to Southport




Since the outrageous relocation of our children’s A&E, Maternity and other local services to Ormskirk, in public and behind the scenes, CARES have never stopped fighting for the vital reinstatement of these essential health facilities.
 
The Liverpool Daily Post reported today (10/02/06) that there 'may' be a chance that lost services could be returned to Southport if a report by efficiency experts, McKinsey, is taken on board.

 
CARES are utterly delighted if the vital children’s services are possibly set return to Southport, even if this decision is only due to financial NHS/PCT restraints. This is 'exactly' what we have been working towards all along.
 
We have stated from the very beginning publicly and to the PCT and NHS that we could not understand how the move to Ormskirk could be financially viable.
 
All along we have stated clearly that the loss of our services was totally unworkable.
 
CARES and numerous other constituents are however  absolutely shocked, after reading comments in the Daily Post suggesting that John Pugh MP appears to be working ‘against’ the reinstatement of Southport’s lost health services.
 
Mr Pugh says:
 
“If the original move was done for good, solid, practical reasons to deliver the best patient care, any reversal would be wrong.”
 
CARES alternatively believe that any feasible opportunity to see the full reinstatement of our lost services will
be a ‘dream come true’. They should never have been removed in the first place!

CARES would like to ask Southport's MP John Pugh if he will be for or against the re-instatement
of Southport's lost services.

It appears by his quotes (as above) in the press that he will be 'against' reinstatement. 

Mr Pugh is quoted as saying:

"It seems fairly pointless to suggest moving services back and forth. What on earth would be the justification?"

CARES has the answer to that particular question Mr Pugh.

The "justification" is that Southport's resident's would have their crucial services back. Is this not what our MP wants for his constituents? An estimated 3-4 thousand protesters marched in Southport's streets and CARES delivered a petition of almost 20,000 signatures strong to Downing Street a while back.

Is this NOT justification enough for you Mr Pugh?
 
 
CARES have contacted the PCT for further clarification on this important issue. We have been told by them that no decisions or recommendations have yet been made. According to Margaret Kitchen of the PCT, 'yes' McKinsey have produced a report which is as far as they know only currently in the hands of Gill Dolan, Chief Executive. Nothing yet is set in stone and everything is at a 'speculative' stage. The PCT say they have 'no' information about the supposed meeting (as reported in the local press) in Warrington between  MPs and the Strategic Health Authority. CARES are meeting with Gill Dolan in March.

Cath Regan, CARES Co-Chair, has  just taken part in an interview about this situation on Dune FM radio earlier today. CARES sincerely thank Dune FM for their ongoing support.

Please watch this space for more information.

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