Health

Don’t let our local hospital disappear

Local health chiefs are required to make big financial savings over the next few years, and consequently are exploring a range of options to save money. It has become apparent that one of the options being discussed is to transfer part or all of Winchester’s surgical, orthopaedic and maternity services to Southampton. If services are moved, then there is a real risk that Winchester’s A&E department would be downgraded. I support sharing specialist services, but I do not support long term merger proposals. I have initiated a local petition to ensure that local resident’s views are heard, and that any options are fully debated in the public arena.