Bridlington Care Unit closure postponed after Charlie Dewhirst MP's petition gains nearly 6,000 signatures
Charlie Dewhirst, Member of Parliament for Bridlington and The Wolds, has welcomed the decision by York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to postpone the closure of Bridlington Hospital Care Unit, originally planned for June 1.
MP Charlie Dewhirst presented a petition with 5,784 signatures to Parliament on May 20 to urge the Government to help save Bridlington Care Unit (BCU). He also wrote to the Health Secretary, Humber and North Yorkshire ICB, and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to provide them each a copy of the petition and urge them again not to close the BCU.
The NHS Trust has now agreed to review the planned closure of the Bridlington Care Unit, originally planned for June 1, to enable the Trust, ICB and its system partners to respond appropriately to the issues raised.
This includes:
- The readiness of community services to absorb the impact of the proposed change.
- The need for clearer communication of the scope of the proposal and the future vision for Bridlington Hospital.
- The importance of a structured approach to public and stakeholder engagement and involvement in the development of proposals regarding services.
- The requirement for a clear framework to monitor the impact of any change.
Charlie Dewhirst MP said: “This most fantastic news is a result of the campaign we have managed to mount together locally.
“Thank you so much for all of your support – from the almost 6,000 people who signed the petition I presented to Parliament, the Bridlington Health Forum, and everybody else at East Riding of Yorkshire Council and others who have put the pressure on the NHS Trust to make
the right choice.
“The NHS Trust have recognised the strength of feeling regarding the proposed closure, have acknowledged their regret at the unacceptable sequencing and timing of their engagement on this, and also that they need to do more to regain the trust and confidence
of East Yorkshire residents.
“Having postponed their decision in order to review local concerns, including the readiness of other community services, the Trust have promised genuine and open engagement with residents over the summer.
“I remain firmly opposed to this closure and will continue to fight to protect local rehabilitation capacity and expand our local health services.”