West Wilts PCT closes Bradford on Avon Hospital

11.01.11pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 31st Aug 2005

At a hurriedly arranged Board meeting today, West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) declared its decision to close Bradford on Avon Hospital permanently. It also decided to substantially downgrade the Westbury Hospital facility and confirmed that the threat of closure still hangs over West Wiltshire hospitals, notably Melksham, under its 'Pathways for Change' review.

"Like many residents I am extremely disappointed." commented Cllr Hames

The news was met with dismay by local Liberal Democrat councillor Duncan Hames:

"The speed at which the PCT has moved since the publication of the Audit Commission's report earlier this month is breath-taking. They appear to have jumped at the opportunity to blame someone else and rush through unpopular decisions without the much promised community consultation. Like many residents, I am extremely disappointed." commented Cllr Hames.

Normal standards for prior publication of meeting dates, and of Board papers were abandoned by the Trust for this meeting - leaving everyone in the dark until reading proposals on the day. This threatened to prevent members of the public and local representatives from making more informed contributions to the meeting, but local Lib Dem councillors from Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon asked several questions on behalf of concerned residents.

"The District Council has arranged for the Trust's Chief Executive to meet with councillors and face their questions in two week's time. We will certainly take the opportunity to hold her organisation to account to the community for these decisions." remarked Cllr Duncan Hames