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

PRESS STATEMENT
30TH JUNE 2002

West Cornwall HealthWatch has sounded a sombre note of caution following the headline news last week that the Cornwall Community Health Council has rejected the proposals for the future of West Cornwall Hospital. Following their committee meeting on Friday, the group said:

"Whilst we are naturally pleased at the stance taken by the Community Health Council, everyone must realise that the battle is not yet won. There are as yet NO proposals on the table which would be acceptable to us. When the Consultation period ends on 19th July, we have as yet no confidence that the Primary Care Trust will produce any new plans to which we can sign up. So this community must remain extremely vigilant, and be ready to take action again. It isn't over yet!"

In fact, the weekend immediately following the end of the Consultation has already been earmarked as a time when the 20,000 marchers, plus all those who could not march in April, will be asked to turn out again. There should be more details in next week's "Cornishman". Meanwhile, everyone is being asked to be prepared….

HealthWatch has also this week issued an appeal for certain former patients of West Cornwall Hospital to contact them. The group is particularly keen to hear from anyone who was treated at West Cornwall Hospital for
1. meningitis
2. dislocated elbow
3. severe asthma attack
4. heart attack
5. appendicitis
6. injury or illness at sea and brought to Penzance by boat

Please contact the group on 01736 788107 without delay, or care of The Cornishman offices, if you can help. Thank you.