New North Ipswich and Central Suffolk parliamentary hopeful Dr Dan Poulter today pledged to fight the removal of crucial services from the town's hospital.
IPSWICH: New North Ipswich and Central Suffolk parliamentary hopeful Dr Dan Poulter today pledged to fight the removal of crucial services from the town's hospital.
Gynaecologist Dr Poulter has been chosen by the Tories to defend the seat, currently held by Sir Michael Lord who is stepping down after 27 years.
He comes to Suffolk with the track record of successfully campaigning to save Epsom Hospital in Surrey from closure.
“I will use my background and knowledge of medical matters to knock down the fallacious arguments that specialities such as cancer and acute cardiac care should no longer be provided at Ipswich Hospital,” said Dr Poulter.
“Yes regional specialist centres of excellence have their role to play in the modern NHS, but you can also have high quality essential services at general hospitals.
“Ipswich Hospital is being salami sliced and the people of south east Suffolk are being sold a pup. It's my intention to highlight where I think the East of England regional health authority has gone wrong.
“This hospital has a huge catchment area and the people it serves need a full range of medical services.”
Dr Poulter says that in conjunction with Tory Ipswich candidate Ben Gummer, he will ask the Conservative Party's health team in the Commons to join the campaign to protect Ipswich Hospital.
“After the election, if a Conservative government is elected, I will be calling for a proper review of health care provision throughout Suffolk.”
Dr Poulter is also a strong supporter of cottage hospitals, such as the Hartismere at Eye.
“These facilities need protecting and improved because they have a valuable role to play in the community.
“They allow patients to be rehabilitated close to home and at the same time this allows beds to be unblocked.”
Do the people of Suffolk deserve better healthcare? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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