Hospital debate secured during minister's visit

The future of Newark Hospital will be debated at Westminster Hall on Tuesday.

The MP for Newark, Mr Patrick Mercer, secured the debate when the health minister, Mr Simon Burns, visited the hospital earlier today.

The Save Newark Hospital campaign have been invited to attend.

Mr Burns' visit followed NHS Nottinghamshire County's decision to rename the A & E a minor injuries unit plus, along with revelations of a threat to a hospital ward.

Mr Burns discussed the review with Mr Mercer and senior figures at Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, which runs Newark Hospital.

NHS Nottinghamshire County were not involved in the visit.

Mr Burns said it was not for him to dictate how a local trust should run NHS services.

The chairman of the hospital trust, Mrs Tracy Doucet, said Mr Burns raised concerns about the PCT's decision to rename A & E as a minor injuries unit plus.

The trust's preferred name is an urgent care centre.

She said Mr Burns urged the trust to work with the community to resolve the issue.

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