Liberal Democrats Lead Action Day to Defend Local Hospitals

North and South Cotswolds Liberal Democrats brought together around 100 residents in Cirencester last Saturday for a major action day to defend local hospital services and oppose any further reductions at Cirencester Hospital.

The demonstration was led by Cllr Paul Hodgkinson (Gloucestershire County Council, Bourton and Northleach, and Parliamentary Candidate for North Cotswolds), who addressed the crowd and warned against allowing valued local healthcare services to decline.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Hodgkinson said:
“We love our local hospitals. We value them. We want them to expand, not be allowed to decline. The NHS have said that recent cuts to services are temporary but we must be sure this promise by them is kept. Today we say loud and clear that we want more use of Cirencester and Moreton Hospitals. People don't have to travel so far as Gloucester or Swindon — they value less waiting times and a friendly, efficient service at their local hospital. With large numbers of houses planned for the area we need the services to support that.

Cllr Claire Bloomer (Cotswold District Council, New Mills) also spoke at the demonstration, highlighting the strength of local concern. She told those gathered that there is a deep level of feeling across the community and that residents are seeking clear reassurance from the NHS about the future of services.

Following the demonstration, volunteers and councillors canvassed attendees and passers-by, collecting signatures for a petition calling for the protection and strengthening of hospital services across the Cotswolds. The petition, hosted on the South Cotswolds Liberal Democrats website, has already attracted more than 2,500 signatures and is backed by local MP Roz Savage.

Organisers say the turnout reflects growing concern about access to local healthcare and a strong desire to see services not only retained but expanded in community hospitals such as those in Cirencester and Moreton.