Having supported the Judicial Review by Jayne Dawson v. Ulht case, with the provision of a significant body of evidence (from 13 years campaigning) and collation of witness statements, SOS Grantham Hospital have learned ULHT are now engaging with staff, and, subsequently members of the public over services at Grantham and District Hospital.

The latest high level plans, revealed to staff, indicate the restoration of some services at Grantham Hospital lost in June 2020, provision of others and loss of others.

The overall picture is complex and deserves further examination. There will be lasting consequences as a result.

On the surface the changes could appear positive, especially the return of our critical care A&E unit during the day.

However an initial analysis of the proposals has raised serious concerns over a strategy that will in effect deliver a long term reduction in some key areas.

Some changes could undermine the long term future of the hospital and ULHT's ability to attain and retain key staff there.

The prior 'temporary closure' of A&E services at night without engagement or consultation remains contentious and SOSGranthamHospital will not lose sight of it.

A full analysis of the available proposals is taking place by SOSGranthamHospital and will be available shortly.

In the meanwhile, after a brave effort to represent those affected by Jayne Dawson and huge amount of work by SOSGranthamHospital members and contribution by many affected witnesses, Grantham communities still await the Judicial Review result.

After the ordeal of losing our A&E at night, the loss of vital services last year and subsequent work supporting the Judicial Review case we are now faced with a further challenge.

The latest engagement of staff over new plans indicate that ULHT have learned from the Judicial Review that they cannot plough through our hospital services with impunity.

They must engage and consult before they act, even if there are extenuating circumstances. However, engaging and consulting are only of value if they are not just a 'tick box exercise'. The final strategy should reflect our feedback if we are to have confidence in the process.

The 'temporary' night closure of our A&E at night remains contentious and it is hugely concerning some patients could remain without local support eg. those most vulnerable or at risk requiring A&E at night, specialist phlebotomy (blood) tests and/or access to local medical beds.

The Urgent Treatment Centre opened 24/7 when our A&E unit closed in June 2020. It is a valuable service but does not replace an A&E unit. Ideally both are needed to support our ever expanding community, especially those with Protected Characteristics. ULHT state they have difficulty recruiting staff.

We warned this would be an outcome of their earlier decisions. It is a problem of their own making. It is not however insurmountable as a successful push for more staff in 2018 proved.

An initial review of the latest plans also indicates a loss in medical beds and other supporting services. We are in danger of having a hospital which is unattractive to trainee staff with the foreseeable consequence that services will continue to degrade if those proposals go ahead.

It is clear, when it comes to defending our hospital services, we must remain ever vigilant. A lack of detail makes some response difficult but we can and will comment on their strategic approach. A full response, based on the information available, will be provided shortly in preparation of public engagement'.