Town should have its hospital back (From Knutsford Guardian)
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Town should have its hospital back
11:56am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Letters
I AM writing regarding the article about the Poppies Day Nursery, Guardian, January 23.
This was Knutsford and District’s Cottage Hospital, as a memorial to those who fell in the Great War of 1914-1918, the money for which was raised by public subscription.
It contained three wards, one for men, another for women, and a third for the elderly, plus an operating theatre and sister’s flat for the Matron.
Mr Godfrey was the local surgeon, he also operated at the Altrincham General Hospital.
The land was given by the Leicester Family of Tabley House, together with five acres of land at the rear.
The land and buildings were only to be used as a hospital.
When the National Health closed it down, the Leicester family made sure that it could not be sold, likewise the Westminster Hospital in London.
Following the Second World War, Dr Ken Walley, now deceased, raised money by public subscription to build an outpatients department and as there was enough left, a day room.
Knutsford should have its hospital back. If the drive were moved to one side there would be ample room to build on the front of the present building. Surely with the proposed building work on Mereside Road, and Mereheath Lane the hospital should be reconsidered as there would be no traffic congestion.
CM WRIGHT Sparrow Lane Knutsford
PetersRock says...
11:28am Fri 1 Feb 13
We need a return of facilities, not a removal.
We need accessible simple nursing care, which the people of the Knutsford area can reach - both as patients and as visitors.
We need a Minor Injuries Unit.
We need the Tatton Ward facility to be reopened until a new local facility is built, equipped, fully-staffed and ready for use.
We need GP surgeries to remain in the sub-local area, where people who need to see a doctor, do not have to
travel long distances to consult one.
We also need - for the first time - an adequate way of helping elderly people, particularly those confused by dementias - and their family carers. Such help must remain within the local area.
Perhaps one might hope that when Eastern Cheshire GP Consortium finally takes over the commissioning on 01 April 2013, it will take on board the local need for care, and act upon that need.