HEALTH chiefs should be under no illusion about the scale of opposition to plans to scale down accident and emergency facilities at City Hospital.
There has been overwhelming public antipathy towards the idea and now Birmingham City Council's health scrutiny committee has spoken out strongly against it.
The extent of public concern was clear when the Birmingham Mail's Big Debate took place in January.
We are proud of the role played being played by this newspaper - at the heart of the community and there to inform and represent its readers.
The debate we organised led to Sandwell and West Birmingham Trust extending the public consultation period to discuss major changes to hospital services in the area.
That was a victory - but one that will prove meaningless unless hospital managers listen carefully to what people are saying. And what they are saying is based on solid common sense.
Rest assured, the Birmingham Mail will do its very best to make sure YOUR voices are heard in the corridors of power.
Comments (1)
I really must tell the press about my experiences at Selly Oak Hospital. I initialy had an accident and was eventualy taken to Selly Oak, via Heartlands last July. My accident involved a circular saw, taking off my right index finger. I very rarely have met such a proffesional organisation. I was constantly informed of my condition and the plan of action. The staff were absolutely superb. I was readmitted to Selly Oak on Sunday, for remedial treatment, my operation scheduled for Monday. Imagine my dismay to read the morning newspapers, totally trying to destroy this Hospitals reputation. The Staff were obviously upset by the accusations, and indeed, after I asked a few questions I realised the truth behind the headlines. Selly Oak Hospital, in my considered opinion, is one of the best in the country. No, It is not a totally Military post. No, the Staff are not fully trained as a traumatised unit. But, my god, they are well above the level of the gutter press. Are British Hospitals being compared with American Military Hospitals?
On my discharge today, I had felt dismay with the untrue accusations against the Hospital,but totally proud with the Staff that SERVE both Birmingham and the Country. Many sincere thanks, to particularly Ward D4.
Bob Spittle
Olton.
Posted by Bob Spittle | March 12, 2007 9:29 PM
Posted on March 12, 2007 21:29