Lib Dem councillors say Government must return X-ray facilities to Hinckley

The X-ray facilities that had been carried out at Mount Road hospital were stopped for safety reasons, this means residents will now have to travel miles away to Coalville or Glenfield to get X-rays.

The motion proposed by Councillor David Bill and seconded by Councillor Ann Pendlebury was passed unanimously

Responding Hinckley Lib Dem Cllr David Bill said "Together with others we have been involved with this exercise since 2005 so everyone knew that the equipment was nearing the end of its life. As recently as last November we were appealing to the Secretary of State for the funding but the process has still not been completed.

"The removal of X-rays is all very unfortunate as older people will recall the lengths entered into so many years ago when the original equipment was purchased by public subscriptions - in much the same way as the original hospital was funded."

Hinckley Lib Dem Cllr Ann Pendlebury said "It is deplorable that this Conservative government has allowed such a depletion of funding that equipment vital to the health and well-being of the people of Hinckley should be allowed to deteriorate to such an extent that we now have to send our local patients out of town to receive the care they need. Funding needs to be agreed by our government so that Xray facilities can be returned to our town forthwith.

Hinckley Coucncillor and Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Michael Mullaney said "Hinckley is a large and growing area. It's devastating that we have lost this vital local health service. Last year over 8700 X-rays were carried out at the Hinckley Hospital, that's over 160 a week.

"This will mean many elderly and ill people having to travel long distances to Coalville or Glenfield for those who don't drive it's a long bus or taxi journey.

"The Hinckley urban area including Burbage, Barwell and Earl Shilton is the second biggest population concentration in the county. We deserve more facilities in our town not less.

"It's vital that the Secretary of State delivers the funding the Tory government promised our local NHS. Hinckley needs and deserves improved health facilities not cutbacks. We need X-ray services back in Hinckley as soon as possible".

The text of the motion passed unanimously was

Emergency Motion - X ray facility at Hinckley hospital

This Council expresses concerns that the X-ray facility has ceased at Hinckley hospital, without new alternative facilities being available. This means local people having to travel some considerable distance without adequate public transport to access this vital facility.

We call on the Secretary of State to ensure that this facility is returned to the town as soon as possible.

Furthermore we urge that the long-awaiting improvements repeatedly promised for our local NHS facilities are finally delivered after years of empty promises.