Meeting addresses Goole hospital’s future

A discussion took place concerning the future of Goole and District Hospital, following assertions by staff that they had been informed about potential partial closures in the new year. Sir David Davis, the Member of Parliament for Goole and Pocklington, was present at the gathering, alongside representatives from East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Jonathan Lofthouse, chief executive of the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole (NLaG) NHS Foundation Trust. Sir David pledged to ensure the trust’s accountability, stating: “Any future plans must prioritise the health needs of local residents and the livelihoods of hospital staff.” Prior to this, the trust had released a statement indicating that no determination had been reached, and that “disinformation” had generated “unnecessary anxiety for the local population and staff.” After the Thursday meeting, Sir David communicated that he had clarified “very plain” that, the trust is required to consult with Members of Parliament, councillors, and local residents prior to finalizing any decisions. He stated: “I have heard from hundreds of residents, both directly and through social media, who have told me how they would struggle to attend other hospitals and are worried about the impact any cuts to services would have on their health.” He added: “In the new year, I will hold a special surgery in Goole, inviting hospital staff to share their primary concerns directly with me.” A spokesperson for NLaG reiterated earlier this month: “No decisions have been taken on the future of the hospital.” The spokesperson continued: “There is a lot of work we have do with our staff, patients and partners to understand what we might do.” They concluded: “We will be meeting with them to discuss potential options and their ideas in the coming months.”