Editor's Blog: We've stopped KIG, now let's save our maternity unit
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The KIG may be dead but the campaign to save
maternity and children’s services at Maidstone Hospital is hitting
fever pitch at the moment.
These are two issues that have gripped
Maidstone and the outlying area like probably none other before
them and the feeling is that if we can win one of them (KIG) then
why not the other?
There was always a suspicion with KIG that big
business would hold ultimate sway, that when it came to a
multi-million pound deal, plus jobs, a band of enthusiastic
villagers wou simply be crushed. But as we all now know, the little
man triumphed (with the help of Maidstone council and KCC, it has
to be said).
With the transfer of full, consultant-led
maternity services to Pembury, along with the inpatient children’s
ward, there is also a deeply-held suspicion that this is a done
deal, that the hospitals trust, in cahoots with the strategic
health authority and the primary care trust are paying lip service
to public consultation and have absolutely no intention of
listening to people’s views.
But now the Department of Health, and most
importantly health secretary Andrew Lansley, are involved. The West
Kent health bosses are claiming that they have approved the plans
but just want reassurance that there has been ‘engagement’ with the
community and local health professionals. Basically, it’s just
waiting to be rubberstamped.
But hang on. One of the criteria for approving
the plans is that there needs to be broad acceptance among local
GPs. The KM’s exclusive story today shows overwhelming opposition
among family doctors. Maybe we will be looking at another major
campaign triumph, after all.
The next big date to put in your diaries in
September 9 when the KCC’s health committee members will held a
meeting to discuss the plans at Maidstone Leisure Centre.
It’s important that the people of Maidstone
send a message loud and clear that there is no local support for
these changes.
Have you crawled out from under the duvet yet?
It’s been suggested that the more superstitious of us simply can’t
face Friday the 13th. So spare a thought for KM reporter Anna White
who moves home today.
With bereavement, divorce, going on holiday
and starting a new job, it’s reckoned to be one of the most
stressful, and fraught, experiences we go through. Read her
thoughts in today’s KM, along with the couple who are getting
married in Maidstone – and keeping everything crossed. By the way,
if you fancy tying the knot on the spur of the moment, the register
office has plenty of gaps in the diary!
Friday, August 13 2010
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