Ely Progressives blame government underfunding and "poor management" for minor injuries debacle

Underfunding of the NHS and “poor management” by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group are to blame for the potential closure of Ely’s minor injuries unit, according to Ely Progressives.
The group, a coalition of Labour, Green, Liberal Democrat and non-aligned members, today added its voice to organisations calling for the unit at the Princess of Wales Hospital to be saved.

Spokesman Andy Shaw said: “This excellent facility along with the outpatient and other services on the same site are vital for local people who would otherwise need to travel to Addenbrooke’s or Hinchingbrooke Hospitals for treatment.
“The core of the problem is the Conservative reorganisation and funding of the NHS.
“Local Conservative councillors and MPs say that they recognise the importance of these services to local residents but are powerless to act against their Government’s drive to force the NHS to act like a private company.
“The growing population In Cambridgeshire and expanding health needs coupled with serious underfunding and poor management (the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group are currently rated ‘inadequate’) means our local NHS service no longer meets the area’s needs.”
Ely Progressives are calling for immediate action by the CCG to “bring together all options for the Princess of Wales Hospital and other local health provision, including GPs, into an integrated plan for the future health needs of the area”.
Mr Shaw said Conservative MPs Lucy Frazer and Steve Barclay, as well as local councillors, should “recognise that NHS funding in Cambridgeshire is insufficient and unsustainable” and make an urgent case for more government funding.
“Ely deserves improved local health facilities including urgent care, outpatient, and GP services.”
Recently a leaked document prepared by the CCG recommended the closure of three minor injury units at Ely, Wisbech and Doddington.
The news sparked a campaign by Spotted in Ely and a petition by campaigner Emma Watson.