PRESS STATEMENT 26 June 2001

VISIT OF ROYAL COLLEGE PRESIDENT CONTINUES THE HOSPITAL DEBATE

The President of the Royal College of Physicians has stated that the current Review of Services at West Cornwall Hospital is "derisive," "too narrow" in its approach, and needs "a far more holistic approach" in order to achieve the provision of acceptable levels of care throughout the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust.

Professor Sir George Alberti, together with his Chief Executive Philip Masterton-Smith, recently travelled from London to meet with the members of , along with Jim McKenna, Chief Executive of Penwith District Council, Glyn White, Chairman of the League of Friends, and Andrew George M.P. The three-hour meeting took place at the Penwith District Council offices. The West Cornwall Hospital Review was fully discussed, as was the reinstating of 24-hour doctor-led cover in the Accident and Emergency Department of West Cornwall Hospital. Sir George said it was "entirely reasonable" to aspire to this. He went on to give his opinion that not a single hospital in the country should close. He felt that it would be impossible at present to have all available services at West Cornwall Hospital, though the longer-term aim of having a new-build District Hospital in the area could be considered. He outlined the extra staffing which would be required if emergency admissions to West Cornwall Hospital are to be safeguarded. He pledged to remain involved in the debate, in which he would endeavour to ensure that West Cornwall Hospital was treated fairly as part of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust.

The meeting was followed by a tour of the more isolated parts of Penwith, concluding with a minibus ride to Truro, to demonstrate the distances involved in a remote rural area.

After the meeting Marna Blundy said: "We found it a helpful exchange of views, and trust that there will be further dialogue as things develop over the coming months." Professor Sir George Alberti said that the meeting had been instructive and informative for him. It had been good to listen and to talk, and he did appreciate the concerns and efforts of local people in safeguarding services.

Meanwhile the local debate continues. There is to be a public meeting at St John's Hall, Penzance, on Friday 29th June starting at 7pm, arranged by Penzance Town Council, to enable members of the public to express their views about the future of West Cornwall Hospital. All are invited to attend.

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