was the first to raise the issue of rural funding for health services
was the first to raise the issue of rural funding for health services
organised: marches in Penzance, Truro and London; a mass letter-writing campaign
to Frank Dobson; and a Candlelit Vigil at Epiphany - all part of the campaign
against hospital closures
was one of the groups which brought pressure to bear on the Cornwall Community
Health Council, resulting in their blocking of the Health Authority proposals
for cuts; and on the Government, which led eventually to the historic decision
by the Secretary of State in 1998 one year ago to retain four Cornish community
hospitals
organised a Health Forum in Penzance with the candidates for the St Ives Constituency
in the run-up to the General Election of 1997
has been invited to, or has successfully requested, many meetings with the Health
Authority and with health Trust executives, local and national political figures,
and the Department of Health
has a high profile in the press and media especially over its campaigns for
the retention of essential health facilities and services
is involved in, or has a voice in:- the Cornwall Health Action Zone and Health
Improvement Programmes; the Community Health Council, (it has three committee
members who are CHC members, it was involved in the CHC Research Project on
Public Participation and one of its members chaired the Transport Project Group
which produced the acclaimed report published in April 2000 entitled "Patients
on Wheels"); the Penwith Locality Group; and the West of Cornwall Primary
Care Trust (members were involved in the Review of Bolitho and EPD Services
in Penwith, and one member is Chair of major Reference Group 2000 which is reviewing
all health services in the west of Cornwall)
has almost 1000 registered Supporters, and it also enjoys recognition, backing
and financial support from district, town and parish councils locally
produced a 32 page document, "The People's Option on the Future of West
Cornwall Hospital", which was widely distributed, in March 2001.
is currently working closely with Penwith District Council, local town and parish
councils, the League of Friends of West Cornwall Hospital and Andrew George
M.P., in efforts to secure services at West Cornwall Hospital.