1 June 2005

Ward Closure "wrong decision"

Michael Howard has strongly criticised the decision by the Primary Care Trust Board over the closure of two wards at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone saying he was "distressed" at this "wrong decision." He went on to say "I shall keep a close watch to ensure promises are kept."

In April Michael Howard made his position clear in a press statement which said, "I have attended public and private meetings on the issue of the future of the two wards in the Royal Victoria Hospital. After careful consideration I do not feel that the time is right to close the two wards."

Local Conservative Campaign Manager Bob Davidson said, "I attended all three public meetings to discuss the future of our local hospital. It was clear at all of these that option 3 was favoured by the board and they tried to sell this course of action to all concerned. From the meetings and from our own surveying it was obvious that people were far from happy for these wards to close. Michael Howard made his position clear. This decision by the board has shown scant regard for the opinion of the people of this District."