Stop the Closure of Community Hospitals in South Devon and Acute Beds in Torbay Hospital

4 Community Hospitals in South Devon could be closed in a bid to make savings. If they close, people could be forced to travel up to 50 miles to get care in Torbay. This would also put added pressure on Torbay Hospital which is already stretched. So David, who lives in the area, has started a campaign to get them fully funded.

The decision on their future will be made in two days time and already, local doctors, press, the local MP and the head of an important health committee have criticised the plans. A huge petition would show how many people in Devon want these hospitals to stay open too. It could be enough to get Jeremy Hunt to step in and find the cash.

If you think the people of Devon should continue to get the care they need, where they need it, sign the petition below. It only takes one minute:

SIGN THE PETITION

Here’s what David says:

“At a time when the NHS is desperately short of beds this decision is perverse.

These hospitals could be put to full use for looking after patients being discharged from major hospital units in the county where there is no immediate alternative arrangements for care in the community.”

Together, 38 Degrees members are campaigning across the UK to make sure NHS decisions are based on what patients need, not just making savings. Together we’re trying to ensure that local patients get to say what they think is the right decision for each area, and in this case David thinks closing hospitals in Devon will lead to patients getting worse care.

Our NHS is made up of thousands of small hospitals like this one all over the UK. The government is pushing these parts of our NHS to breaking point, but the difference between the services that get shut down quietly and those that continue to save lives could be us. People.

Together, we built the best healthcare system in the world.

PS: David can’t make it along to the meeting to hand in his petition, but could you go instead? You’d need to be able to make it to the meeting at 10 am this Thursday the 26th January in Newton Abbey. If you’d like to help, just email us and let us know if you’re available.