MP to meet MD over controversial stroke unit plans

YEOVIL MP David Laws will be campaigning today (Friday, December 6, 2013) for the protection of facilities for stroke patients in the town.

Mr Laws will be meeting with the managing director of the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, David Slack, to discuss his concerns over proposals to cut services for stroke patients at Yeovil District Hospital.

The plans, which were recently announced by the Somerset CCG, would see stroke services moved to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. A final decision on the proposals will be made early in 2014.

Mr Laws said: “I am meeting with Mr Slack to set out my views and concerns about the proposals to move stroke services from Yeovil Hospital to Musgrove Park in Taunton.

“I share the concern a number of my constituents have raised with me that travel distances to Taunton can be quite long, particularly when the roads are busy. With strokes it is absolutely vital that people get treated as soon as possible.

“On top of this, the plans do not appear to involve any savings and may in fact cost more. There would also be the added travel cost and inconvenience for relatives.”

Mr Laws added: “I have spoken to the chairman and the chief executive of Yeovil Hospital who are both concerned about the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group’s proposals.”

PHOTO - RIGHT: Yeovil MP David Laws.

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