Hospital upgrade backed by MP

South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes says he’s fully behind a proposal to upgrade the Johnson Hospital in Spalding to an Urgent Treatment Centre.

As previously reported in The Voice, as part of the Healthy Conversation 2019 consultation that’s ongoing, the NHS is looking to improve the services at the hospital which is currently designated as a Minor Injury Unit.

Sir John says it’s a move he’s been campaigning for.

“I’ve always been highly supportive of improving the hospital and I’ve spoken about it in numerous meetings,” he told The Voice. “Last year when it looked like the hospital could be downgraded to a GP Extended Access Hub I fought to keep the current provision and in that process argued very strongly it actually should not only be protected but we should get more out of it.

“That to me, meant it should be turned into an Urgent Treatment Centre.

“Most people, including myself and my family, are very happy with the service they get for the hospital but It would be great if it could do even more.

“The proposals to make it an Urgent Treatment Centre have my full support and have done for some time.”

A report to Lincolnshire County Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee stated: “Urgent Treatment Centres are designed to ease pressure on hospitals allowing Emergency Departments to treat the most serious cases.”

A Healthy Conversation consultation event is set to take place at the United Reformed Church from 2pm to 7pm on Thursday, June 13 where residents can air their views on the proposals and NHS care throughout South Holland. You can also respond online at https://www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk/healthy-conversation/