Hundreds protest over hospital's future

Hundreds of people have gathered in Goole amid speculation about the future of the town's hospital.

Concerns were raised last month when staff claimed they were told parts of the site would close.

Sir David Davis MP said he was due to meet with the hospital trust next week to "get to the bottom" of any plans.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust said there were "no firm proposals to discuss yet, and no decisions have been taken".

About 250 people gathered outside the hospital earlier, ahead of a staff meeting.

Campaigner Julie Challinor said: "As an ex-member of staff I know how important this hospital is and I know the good care that is given here.

"It's important that we retain these services, and possibly improve on them for the town and the local community."

Sir David, the MP for Goole and Pocklington, added that he was determined to establish the facts and to fight for the future of the hospital.

He had received about 30 emails from people who were obviously worried.

"They are not all conspiring," he added.

He said he and other local officials would meet with the trust in a bid to "find out what the actual facts are".

"We will get to the bottom of it."

An online petition to save inpatient facilities at Goole has amassed more than 10,000 signatures.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the trust said: "Work to look at future options and opportunities for Goole and District Hospital is at the very early stages, and as such there are no firm proposals to discuss yet, and no decisions have been taken.

"We do acknowledge this news has caused some concern among local people and has led to some disinformation being circulated."

The trust said it would work with all parties concerned.

The site is classed as a small community hospital by the trust and provides specialist rehabilitation services for brain injuries and ophthalmology treatment. It also has an urgent treatment centre.

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