North East Herts MP Oliver Heald led a group of Royston residents meeting PCT Chief Executive Anne Walker, Director Strategic Planning, Gareth Jones and other senior officials, including Jane Hainstock.
Oliver was accompanied by Cllr F. John Smith, Leader of North Hertfordshire District Council, County Councillor Fiona Hill, Laurie Parncutt and Peter Franks of the Friends of Royston Hospital, and Dr Peter Gough.
Oliver started the meeting by expressing concerns about the future of Royston Hospital following recent emails between The Friends of Royston Hospital and the Primary Care Trust, which had talked about proposals for the Hospital site “being implemented in 2011”. At the meeting, the Royston Group were told there were no plans to close the Hospital at the moment, that decisions about the future would be taken next year and that representatives of the local community would be involved in discussions.
Dr Peter Gough suggested that improved medical facilities were needed in Royston and other members of the group stressed the importance of Royston Hospital.
Commenting, Oliver Heald said, “It was good to have a meeting, but I am disappointed that it is still not clear what the future holds. Royston Hospital is greatly valued in the town and many of us would agree with Dr Gough that Royston needs improved medical facilities rather than anything less than now.
“I will continue to put pressure on the PCT to give an assurance about the future and to argue for better medical facilities for the town.”