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An Open Letter to
Nick Yeo, PCT Chief Executive
from local Liberal Democrats
28 August 2007
Dear Mr Yeo,
Re: Death risk increased with longer ambulance journeys
With regard to proposals affecting the future of Women's Services and Special Baby Care in our area, you may be aware that Hastings & Rye Liberal Democrats have consistently supported Option 5, to preserve access to high quality maternity care in both towns. This is the option favoured by campaigners from the Hastings-based Hands off the Conquest organisation and the Eastbourne DGH.
When Hastings Borough Council voted for Option 4 on 9 July 2007, this was without Liberal Democrat support. Liberal Democrat members of Rother District Council also support Option 5 and opposed Option 4.
We are committed to doing all we can to make sure local people retain access to important, basic NHS services in their own area. We believe that weak infrastructure militates against cuts in Hastings or Eastbourne districts.
We therefore have grave concern over reports on newly published research into ambulance journey times and the findings that high risk patients are more likely to die after long ambulance journeys. The findings are from research carried out by the University of Sheffield and headed by Professor Jon Nicholl. They clearly demonstrate increased risk implications of greater ambulance journey times in emergency clinical situations.
Whilst acknowledging that the PCT will have to balance a number of important issues in coming to a final decision, we believe that this is further evidence in support of Option 5.
In the context of the decisions to be made about local maternity services later this year, we would be glad of your response in respect of Professor Nicholl's research.
In anticipation of your reply.
Yours truly,
David Hancock
Local party chair
Liberal Democrats, Hastings and Rye Constituency
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