Patients Treated with 'Utter Contempt' as Report Prolongs Uncertainty Over Hospital's Future

Mayor Dave Hodgson has slammed the delayed £3.2 million review into local health services which threatens Bedford hospital with a major downgrade, after it published a 'progress report' which serves only to prolong the uncertainty around the hospital's future. The report recommends a downgrade for either Bedford or Milton Keynes Hospital, but says that 'further work' is needed before NHS Commissioners take proposals to public consultation.

Today's report, which leaves Bedford Hospital in the same uncertain position as it was in yesterday, comes a full six months on from the scheduled publication of the review's final report, with the axe having hung over crucial local hospital services for a year now. This is in spite of the growing local population and the fact that the qulaity of care at Bedford Hospital has been assessed by the regulator the CQC as far superior to that which is available at a number of the hospitals to which local residents will be forced to travel for emergency treatment if the downgrade is confirmed.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "It is appalling that this report has emerged over six months later than the review's own deadline, with no explanation for the delay and the uncertainty caused for patients and staff. Even worse, after so much time and £3.2 million spent, the report raises more questions than answers. It recommends a major downgrade for either Bedford or Milton Keynes Hospital, but says further work is needed. So, Bedford Hospital continues to face the prospect of a potential major downgrade, despite a growing local population and improving standards of care. The only certainty is that the uncertainty continues for patients and staff, who continue to be treated with utter contempt."

To show your support for the campaign to save vital local hospital services, please sign mayor Dave Hodgson's petition here: www.savebedfordhospital.org.uk

The 'Your Health in Bedfordshire' Progress Report can be read online here: http://www.yourhealthinbedfordshire.co.uk/progress-report/