Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has welcomed the views of Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of the NHS, who has called for a greater role for local hospitals such as the Hospital of St Cross in the provision of local community health care.
Mr Stevens believes that District General style hospitals should return to a more prominent role in treating patients within their local communities and that smaller hospitals can particularly meet the needs of older patients.
Mark said: “I, and many of my constituents, have been fighting for the retention of services at the Hospital of St Cross and I welcome the sentiments of Simon Stevens about the role small District General style hospitals can play within local communities.
“The Hospital of St Cross is an invaluable local facility and since becoming Rugby’s MP I have remained in constant contact with the Chief Executive of University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (UHCW), which is responsible for St Cross, making clear that present services at the hospital must be protected and retained.
“Following the statements made by Simon Stevens I shall be writing to the Chief Executive of UHCW again to reiterate my support for the Hospital of St Cross. I shall be asking for his opinion on Mr Steven’s views and how St Cross can be better utilised to meet the needs of my constituents in the future.”