Packed public meeting hears concerns about Ludlow Community Hospital
Ludlow residents have turned out to a packed public meeting to vent their concerns over the future of the town's hospital.
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The meeting, organised by Ludlow Town Council, took place at Oscars at the Assembly Rooms last night (Tuesday, February 4).
It had been called by the town mayor, Beverley Waite, and although no local NHS representatives attended, Shropshire's health bosses did issue an 'open letter' to the people of Ludlow ahead of the meeting.
The mayor said there were concerns Ludlow Community Hospital is being 'quietly closed down'.
Councillor Waite said: "Like most of the residents of Ludlow, I am very concerned about the increasing issues surrounding Ludlow Hospital and the plans that the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and ShropCom have for the hospital.
"What is very disturbing is the lack of response by ShropCom on this issue not just to us but to the whole community - even to the hospital’s League of Friends.”
The meeting heard from a range of speakers including county councillor and health professional Tracey Huffer, councillor and former consultant at Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust, Dr Bernie Bentick, and the chair and vice chair of the League of Friends, Dr Morton from Station Road Surgery and the head nurse at Portcullis surgery.
Prominent speakers included Bishop's Castle Mayor, Josh Dickin, who played a major part in the successful campaign to save Bishop’s Castle Hospital.
He gave a presentation on the campaign and how they brought the community together to change plans to close the hospital.
After further contributions from the audience, it was decided to form a campaign group to work on protecting Ludlow hospital's future.
Councillor Waite and the friends group will also write to the CEO of ShropCom requesting details on the immediate and medium-term plans for the hospital.
Finally they resolved to campaign to "secure continued hospital services in the town irrespective of any plans for a new hospital sometime in the future".
Councillor Waite added: “It is clear from tonight’s meeting that people of Ludlow are quite passionate in their desire to keep our hospital. We have been kept in the dark about Shropcom’s plans for some time as services are progressively run down. We need to secure our hospital’s future and tonight shows that we are willing to fight hard to keep it.”
Earlier an open letter from Patricia Davies, chief executive of Shropshire Community Health Trust; and Simon Whitehouse, chief executive of NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, insisted there is a "commitment to the services provided from the hospital".
However, they admitted the site is in need of investment, with no money currently available.
The letter said: "With regards to the hospital building specifically, we recognise that further work will be needed, due to the age of the estate.
"Therefore, we will continue to work with partners towards seeking additional investment, whilst in the meantime working with NHS Property Services to maintain the existing estate. At present there is no immediate route to access any new public capital and it is important to recognise this at the outset.
"We are developing plans for continuing to engage and involve local people - we are committed to providing a positive patient experience at Ludlow Hospital and ensure our plans for the area are developed collaboratively with the council, town council, residents, and local partners to ensure they reflect local need."
