BRADFORD-ON-AVON AND WESTBURY HOSPITALS

That this House condemns the decision to close Bradford-on-Avon Hospital and substantially to downsize Westbury Hospital despite overwhelming public support for them; is appalled by a complete failure to await the outcome of expensive public consultation on the future of hospitals in West Wiltshire; commends the hard work and dedication of hospital staff and volunteers; notes the generosity of the public in supporting their local hospitals over many years; further notes that the savings anticipated by West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust may be illusory and short-term with an overall increase in costs accruing to health and social care as a result of the closures; regrets the lack of strategic oversight displayed by Ministers in allowing intermediate care bed space to decline whilst publishing its pandemic influenza contingency plan that predicts a vastly increased need; and calls on the Government to reverse the closure plans.