Lib Dem Health Spokesman seeks assurances over DGH
Last week the Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb MP, visited Eastbourne to discuss the threats to the maternity provision at DGH.
Mr Lamb said: "Having had a discussion with our ppc Stephen Lloyd and the co-chair of the Save the DGH campaign Monica Corrina-Kavakli, it is clear that we are reaching the end game for the PCT to make their announcement about the long-term future of maternity at DGH and the Conquest Hospital in Hastings. It is vital the PCT make the right decision and I was very impressed with the detailed proposal put forward by the cross-party Save the DGH campaign, Option 5 - Saving Lives. However, I share their concerns that the PCT does not appear to be giving the same weight to Option 5 as they are for the options they themselves have put forward. Consequently, I will be writing to Nick Yeo, the Chief Executive of the PCT, seeking assurances that Option 5 will be properly considered."
Stephen Lloyd added: "I appreciate the support our campaign is receiving from my colleague Norman Lamb. Option 5 - Saving lives has been written by the medical supporters of the DGH campaign so it is a robust proposal and details a clear rationale for retaining consultant led maternity services on both sites. A view dozens of local people repeated to me again and again when I met them last Saturday at the DGH campaign stall in the Arndale Centre. Mr Yeo and his colleagues at the PCT have a legal duty to consider all the options equally. I believe they also have a moral duty to listen to what the people of Eastbourne and Hastings are saying to them. Keep a proper, comprehensive maternity service on both hospital sites"