Shepway Lib Dems take Royal Victoria Campaign to Westminster

The campaign to save the Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone has been taken to Westminster. Local Lib Dems Peter Carroll. Tom McNeice and Darren Briddock joined a specially called lobby of Parliament on Tuesday 16th Jan at the House of Commons.

The lobby was organised by MPs from the All Party Group for Local Hospitals. Dozens of MPs attended the lobby and heard from the campaigners present about their battles to save their local hospitals.

Peter Carroll said:

"Hundreds of people attended the lobby from across the South of England. They had the same story to tell. Local hospitals are being threatened with closure and services moved way. MPs from all parties together with doctors and other health workers spoke with passion at the event and all had the same message -that the National Health Service belongs to the people, not to the managers. Local communities are saying load and clear that they want more services locally. However, the NHS management appear not to be listening."

Pressure from the campaign has already lead to the revelation that the Derry Unit at the RVH may be moved away from Folkestone as part of the possible sale and redevelopment of the Victorian part of the hospital.

The Lib Dem trio took the opportunity to meet with Norman Lamb MP the Lib Dem spokesman for Health in the Commons to update him on the situation in Folkestone.

Local residents wishing to support the campaign can sign the electronic petition at www.sorv.org.uk