WALNUTTREE AND ST LEONARD'S HOSPITALS

That this House condemns the proposal by the West Suffolk Primary Care Trust (PCT) to close Walnuttree and St Leonard's hospitals in Sudbury which ignores the overwhelming public support for them; deplores the decision to abandon plans to build a new hospital facility with in-patient beds in Sudbury in 2006-07; commends the hard work and dedication of hospital staff and volunteers; notes the worrying consequences of withdrawal of in-patient facilities in Suffolk for rehabilitation patients; is appalled by the inadequacy of the consultation process offered by the Suffolk West PCT; urges the Government to place quality of patient care and the long-term interests of the NHS before financial expedience; and calls upon the Government to review the proposed closures and restore a commitment to locally-delivered healthcare.