Joint statement from Jeremy Pembroke and Liz Harsant:

"We are deeply concerned by the decision not to treat heart attack victims in Suffolk and the impact this will have on our town and county.

There has been absolutely no consultation on this issue - the East of England Specialised Commissioning Group (EoE SCG) insisted they would consult 'stakeholders' but we were not asked for our input. Given that this decision chances the health of people in our county on a lengthy journey along the A14, A12 or A140 this oversight is appalling and should, in itself, call the whole process into question. This is just the latest episode in the continual downgrading of Ipswich Hospital.

We are now more concerned than ever that people in Ipswich and Suffolk are going to get a worse quality of care than people elsewhere in the country. We both pledge ourselves to fight for the best possible health service for Ipswich and for Suffolk."
 

16th May 2009