Jeremy Hunt calls for investigation into overnight closure of Grantham Hospital A&E

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP has asked for the overnight closure of Grantham Hospital A&E to be investigated following calls from Lincolnshire's Health Scrutiny Committee.
Protestors from Fighting for Grantham Hospital and SOS Pilgrim Hospital ) with chairman of the county  Health Scrutiny Committee, Coun Christine Talbot who attended the meeting (2nd from right). From left Bernice Cullimore, Ian Brothwell, Alison Marriott, Sarah Stock, Phillip Bosworth and Melissa Darcy. EMN-170125-104823001Protestors from Fighting for Grantham Hospital and SOS Pilgrim Hospital ) with chairman of the county  Health Scrutiny Committee, Coun Christine Talbot who attended the meeting (2nd from right). From left Bernice Cullimore, Ian Brothwell, Alison Marriott, Sarah Stock, Phillip Bosworth and Melissa Darcy. EMN-170125-104823001
Protestors from Fighting for Grantham Hospital and SOS Pilgrim Hospital ) with chairman of the county Health Scrutiny Committee, Coun Christine Talbot who attended the meeting (2nd from right). From left Bernice Cullimore, Ian Brothwell, Alison Marriott, Sarah Stock, Phillip Bosworth and Melissa Darcy. EMN-170125-104823001

The Secretary of State has today written to Cllr Mrs Christine Talbot, chairman of Lincolnshire’s Health Scrutiny Committee, to inform her that the matter has been passed to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) for review.

Cllr Mrs Talbot referred the matter to the Secretary of State at the end of last year in light of local concerns.

Cllr Mrs Talbot said: “I’m delighted the Secretary of State has listened to our concerns and asked the IRP to investigate.

“When we referred the issue to the Secretary we did not believe that overnight services would be reinstated in February as planned, and those fears proved to be well-founded.

“I’m confident that the IRP will agree that a full review is warranted, and I look forward to being able to present our case in full.

“ULHT need to realise that the people of Grantham deserve better. I hope today’s decision will underline that this is not something we will let rest.”

Mr Hunt has asked the IRP to present its initial assessment of whether a full review is necessary by 22 March.