The High Court today will hear a judicial review into the decision to close Grantham A&E unit temporarily.

Hospital campaigners will be heard.

in the High Court tomorrow (Thursday).

Hospital campaigners say United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has persistently challenged the accusation that their decision to remove Grantham Hospital services in June 2020 was both 'unlawful' and 'irrational'.

They also say ULHT failed to consult with the public prior to making changes to A&E, medical ward and Outpatient Services which resulted in thousands of vulnerable patients being forced to travel cross county at the height of the first Covid19 wave.

Cllr Charmaine Morgan, Chair of SOSGrantham Hospital, who has supported the legal challenge since the cuts were made, and, who is a witness in the case said:"Whilst delighted after months of battling, all efforts by ULHT to avoid court have failed, it is with a very heavy heart that the case has been put forward.

"It is clear little risk assessment was done to identify the impact of the decision on Grantham and surrounding area communities. "In particular the needs of those with protected characteristics were not adequately considered leaving elderly, disabled, low income households and children most affected by the changes. "Cancer patients were forced to travel cross-county for phlebotomy tests and blind people had to go to Louth for eye tests in the middle of a pandemic when their travel should have been minimal." Hospital campaigner Jayne Dawson has brought the action, as previously reported by News. Coun Morgan continued: Jayne has undergone huge personal trauma this year and required surgery. She has been very courageous and determined to see this through. She has had to travel cross county for treatment as a result of the decision made by ULHT. On the most recent occasion having to use 3 connect buses to access services at Boston. It has been an honour to work with her. "The Trust originally argued all service cuts were temporary. The only way this will be believed, given their track record with the temporary closure of our A&E at night, is if all services are fully restored. "It is not clear if a decision will be available on the day but whatever the outcome this must send a clear message to ULHT that they cannot chop and change and cut services at Grantham & District Hospital without due process either now or in the future." Jayne said:" I want the services they took from us restored. I want my local A&E back. It is as simple as that." When the legal challenge was announced in December, the ULHT said it would defend the action