'Gems at the heart of our communities' - local hospitals get strong backing

The Leader of Cotswold District Council has written to Gloucestershire NHS leaders calling for assurances on the future of rural healthcare, following unanimous support from councillors across the political spectrum to safeguard local hospitals described as “gems at the heart of our communities.” 

The move follows an emotional appeal at a full Council meeting on 20 May, where Cllr Paul Hodgkinson urged fellow councillors to unite behind the issue, telling them that hospitals were essential – and not “optional extras”. He asked members to “please protect our local hospitals.” 

The letter comes amid growing concern about the future of local services, with councillors warning that so‑called “temporary” changes have too often become permanent. This includes in Cirencester, Moreton‑in‑Marsh and neighbouring Cheltenham. 

Councillors heard that without local services, vulnerable residents could face exhausting journeys for treatment, with limited rural transport making access to distant hospitals especially difficult and adding pressure to an already stretched NHS. 

They also raised concerns about the impact on NHS staff, with some facing significantly longer commutes or disrupted working patterns when services are relocated, affecting both wellbeing and workforce capacity. 

Additional pressure

Councillors also heard that demand for local healthcare is set to increase, with an ageing population and housing growth expected to place additional pressure on services in the coming years. This includes potential new developments in parts of the area which are expected to increase demand for accessible, local provision. 

Cllr Hodgkinson highlighted strong public backing for the issue, noting that a petition calling for the protection of local hospitals had already received more than 2,500 signatures from residents across the Cotswolds. 

“For many people, these hospitals are where loved ones recover after illness, where rehabilitation takes place close to home, where families can visit without travelling for hours, and where older residents can receive care with dignity in the communities they know and love,” he said. 

“They also provide quick and convenient access to care, often with far shorter waiting times than larger acute hospitals, while avoiding lengthy travel.” 

“In a rural district like the Cotswolds, local healthcare matters enormously - these hospitals are not optional extras, they are essential. They are not just buildings on a map, they are absolute gems at the heart of our communities and they’re valued very deeply by residents.” 

Vital role 

Supporting the call, Cllr Dilys Neill, who worked as a GP in the North Cotswolds, said community hospitals play a vital role in supporting older and frail patients. She said: “They are crucial for our elderly and frail patients… having somebody admitted closer to home makes it much easier for both the patient and their relatives.” 

The motion was agreed unanimously by councillors, with the Leader now writing to NHS leaders and awaiting a response.