The community is being asked to back a “phenomenal” proposed upgrade to the Johnson Hospital by completing a survey.
As previously reported in The Voice, as part of the local NHS’s Healthy Conversation 2019, the hospital could be upgraded to a Major Treatment Centre providing care for all but the most serious cases.
A recent engagement event in the town was well attended.
But now all members of the public are being urged to show their support for the scheme by filling in The Health Conversation 2019 survey form which is available online.
Coun Glynis Scalese was among those who attended the Spalding consultation event.
She told a meeting of the Spalding Town Forum where the matter was discussed, it was a really good meeting.
“Having worked there myself as a staff nurse for two years we do need the upgrade there as it’s vital for the community.
“It needs to be a longer service. It’s outrageous that it closes at 6pm in the evening and the X-Ray department finishes at 4pm.
“The hospital hasn’t got enough beds, it’s basically used for respite and palliative care at the minute.
“To have this update would be phenomenal.”
The Healthy Conversation 2019 is currently in the “engagement” process with a full consultation to follow.
It’s proposed Johnson Hospital, which is currently designated a Minor Injury Unit, would be one of seven Urgent Treatment Centres open 365 days a year for at least 12 hours a day.
Coun Chris Brewis said: “I think we have one go at this and we have got to get it right.
“I want everyone to pull together because it’s so important for our local health services.
“I’ve been cynical in the past but having been to one of the consultation events I’m absolutely convinced they’re listening.
“I believe, which I haven’t seen before, that’s a general desire for everyone to work together to pull this round.
“I think it’s vital as many of us as possible respond to this.
“If this works we might have more people have treatment in South Holland.”
Coun Brewis told the Town Forum that more people being treated in South Holland would lead to more NHS money staying in Lincolnshire and aid in the recruitment problems in the area.
“I don’t want you to think the Johnson Hospital would become a fully fledged hospital with A and E department, but it’s a lot better than what we’ve got now.
“It will certainly have longer opening hours,” he said.
Coun Angela Newton said the consultation event was “really well attended”.
“If we can get some urgent care facilities at Spalding. We’ve got room at this expensive hospital for it.
“We need dentists as well.
“The only way to get these extra facilities is let them know we need them, we want them and I support them.”
There’s two surveys you can complete by clicking on the Get Involved page at https://www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk/healthy-conversation
