Thurrock Lib Dems Hospital Campiagn Gathers More Momentum

9.49.01am GMT Fri 11th Nov 2005

The Thurrock Liberal Democrats campaign for a general hospital to be built locally is gaining momentum with additional support from Prof Steve Webb, MP, Health Spokesperson for the party in parliament.

Professor Webb, MP, who also accompanied the campaign team to present the 10,000 signature petition at Downing Street on 1st November 2005 said, "The Liberal Democrats believe that local hospitals are a vital part of health care delivery in our communities."

"I warmly welcome the efforts of Thurrock Liberal Democrats for all their hard work in keeping this campaign alive and hope that the Prime Minister will take notice of the petition."

"Residents called on Mr Blair in his capacity as Prime Minister to ensure that a general hospital is built in Thurrock without delay to address the health deficit in the area."

Earnshaw Palmer who is leading the campaign said, "Like all public services it is essential that health provision is adequately catered for and delivered locally for the benefit of residents."

During the general election campaign, the Andrew Duff, Lib Dem MEP for the East of England came to support Earnshaw Palmer, the party's parliamentary candidate who was campaigning with Thurrock Liberal Democrats on this issue.

Arthur Bowles a member of the campaign team said, "Since the closure of Orsett Hospital nearly 10 years ago, Thurrock has been without its own local provision of accident and emergency and maternity services."

It is poignant that the closure of Orsett hospital's A&E and maternity facilities has engendered so much anger and dismay in the local communities because no replacement was planned as the land was subsequently sold for housing development.

This campaign which has been a major project by the Thurrock Liberal Democrats is not going to end with the presentation of the petition to Downing Street. We will continue to collect more signatures and present them in batches of 10,000.

David Coward, member of the team said, "Thurrock is set for a major growth in its population. The Thames Gateway is moving through South Essex and new and improved medical facilities need to be implemented for our for welfare."

" Action need to taken now to guarantee continued medical provision for ourselves and future generation."

Paul Riley, secretary of the campaign team said "Most residents believe that it is unacceptable to travel as far away to Kent or Basildon to receive treatment and are backing the campaign for their own local general hospital to be built in Thurrock."

"We have kept our promise to keep the campaign alive and continue to highlight the need for improved health provision in Thurrock."

"We will keep everybody informed about the response we get from the Prime Minister or any other government official in connection with this campaign."

Earnshaw Palmer further said, " The next steps will depend on the response from the Prime Minister but we are determined to keep the campaign alive for as long as it takes, otherwise.if it disappears from the public domain, it will become a forgotten issue."

"Whist plans are being considered for other social amenities in the area, it is vital that priority is given for the building of our own local general hospital."

"We have the support of our local communities and we will continue to fight all the way."