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Healthcare - a clarification

Derek Thomas, Conservative candidate refutes LibDem smears

In response to Andrew George’s comments in last week’s West Briton regarding Derek Thomas having supported the downgrading of West Cornwall Hospital (WCH), the following is Derek Thomas’ record campaigning for keeping healthcare services as close to home as possible.

• Until the current election campaign, for several years, Derek Thomas sat on West Cornwall Healthwatch, a campaigning group primarily concerned with retaining services at West Cornwall Hospital.

• As a Penwith District Councillor, he supported all of the council’s efforts regarding West Cornwall and St Michael’s Hospitals including joining the 27,000 people who marched to secure services at St Michael’s.
  

• He also supported the proposed 24 hour doctor-led emergency admissions service at West Cornwall Hospital.

• During his chairmanship of the Overview and Scrutiny committee of Penwith District Council, the committee carried out a comprehensive review of services at West Cornwall Hospital gathering evidence from medical professionals, stakeholders and patients. The conclusion of this research clearly communicated to the general public what services they could expect at WCH.

• Finally, Derek and his family’s recent experience of West Cornwall Hospital means that he fully understands the needs of the community and of the hospital if it is to meet community expectations and provide a proper service.

Mr Thomas concluded saying, “This is either a strange or a confused attempt by Andrew George to smear me over an important issue that so many people feel strongly about. I have committed myself to always advocate for health services to be delivered as close to home as possible.”