We’ve recently learned of the overnight closure at Ripley Hospital and the temporary closure of Heanor Memorial Hospital due to asbestos issues. I’ve met with the directors of the Derbyshire Community Health Services Trust to discuss these issues.
While I can regrettably see the logic of an overnight closure at Ripley given the very low levels of use and difficulty in ensuring availability of specialist nurses, it’s vital that the health provision in Heanor is not reduced by the permanent closure of the hospital.
The Heanor Memorial Hospital site was gifted to the town after the First World War. As we’re about to mark the centenary of that war, it’s time to deliver enhanced health services in Heanor and I call on the Trust, the local GP consortium and the Councils to work to ensure more services are brought to Heanor – not services lost.