Local Liberal Democrats have been delighted by the news that the Department of Health has overturned the decision of local PCTs, and is requiring the retention of both maternity units at Hastings and Eastbourne.
Nick Perry, 32, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Hastings & Rye and first time dad said,
“I am thrilled that the Independent Panel has made what is clearly the right decision, and I am thrilled for the Save the DGH and Hands Off the Conquest campaigners who have worked so hard for this result.
“There will be many people wanting to cash in on this fantastic news. But I want to make it clear that it was only the Liberal Democrats that have backed the campaigners unanimously. That’s why Margaret Williams joined our party earlier this year.
“Hastings & Rye MP Michael Foster has flip-flopped on the issue, and the local Conservatives were split right down the middle.
“Liberal Democrats have supported the campaigners because of the risk issues surrounding a one site solution, and we have consistently said that local parents should be entitled to high quality essential healthcare – whatever their postcode.”
[What do you think of the decision? Do you think the Lib Dems were right to back the hospital campaigners?]
