Co-ordinator: Marna Blundy, 4 Botallack Moor, St Just, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7QH
Tel: 01736 788107
email: westcornwallhealthwatch@yahoo.co.uk

PRESS STATEMENT
16 th October 2005

At last week’s public demonstration outside West Cornwall Hospital, many protestors were unable to gain access to the Trust Board meeting to explain their concerns, despite the public being encouraged to attend Board meetings. However, that was not the only disappointment of the day. West Cornwall HealthWatch has now revealed its own frustration with the Royal College of Anaesthetists, who visited the hospital on the same day to review the future of anaesthetic cover. Co-ordinator Marna Blundy explained:

“Some months ago the President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists was interviewed on Radio Cornwall, and his words were encouraging to us. In particular, he highlighted the considerable distance between West Cornwall Hospital and Truro, the large increase in visitors during the summer months with the inherent difficulties of transfer between the two sites, and the rotation of staff between different sites in the Trust. Following his comments, we wrote to him, and we have had several exchanges of letters since.

Naturally, therefore, when we learned that his delegation would be coming to Penzance, we wrote to ask if it would be possible to meet. We felt it very important that the Royal College representatives heard from representatives of the local population, as well as hearing the “official line” being spun by others who have different interests. However, there was no response to our letter – not even an acknowledgement. We can’t help feeling that there are those who do not want to listen to what we have to say. It’s quite evident to us that, with emergency admissions at West Cornwall being withdrawn for most of the week, the uninformed visitor could conclude that 24-hour anaesthetic cover is no longer required. However, that is only part of the story, as we all know. The problem is that it is unlikely the full truth will be told. Once again the voice of the patient and the public is being silenced.”

West Cornwall HealthWatch is now planning a public meeting to be held in Penzance next month, at which the updated facts about West Cornwall Hospital will be explained to the whole community. More details to follow.