Cotswolds MP, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, last night joined Members from across the political spectrum in presenting a record number of petitions to the House of Commons to protest against the continued threat to community hospitals.

Following the hugely successful CHANT (Community Hospitals Acting Nationally Together) rally, which took place yesterday, forty five petitions were submitted to recognise the vital role played by community hospitals in providing community based care. The previous record for formally presenting petitions to the House was just twenty-nine in 1985.

Over one thousand people from across the country attended the rally, including the Cotswold. It was addressed by the Conservative Party leader, David Cameron, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesman, Steve Webb and Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley.

Mr Clifton-Brown, who attended the rally and presented two petitions to the House in support of Tetbury and Fairford hospitals, said, “I was delighted to present a petition on behalf of Tetbury and Fairford hospitals and hope that by breaking the record, the Government will listen to the will of thousands of people across the country. Tetbury and Fairford hospitals were and are vital and valued local resources and should not be closed or face cutbacks in response to the short-term PCT deficit.

“The recent Health White Paper promised care close to home, yet the Cotswold PCT is still pushing ahead with cuts and closures to the very hospitals that can provide it. It is time for Ministers to act to make sure that the PCT has the resources and will to protect vital local services.

“Patricia Hewitt has repeatedly been warned that closures are going ahead. She should issue immediate guidance to local health bosses on how to implement the proposals in the White Paper. Closures are still being driven by financial, not health, considerations, with only token nods to the White paper and this must be addressed by Ministers.”