"I strongly urge people to attend, " is the message from Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, in regard to an announcement by South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that they are to hold a public meeting to discuss the future of the Lambert Memorial Hospital.
Last September a 14 bed ward was closed at the hospital in Thirsk due to staff shortages. Since then residents of the town and surrounding villages who value the services offered at the site have campaigned for it to be re-opened.
The MP has previously met with and spoken often to members of The League of Friends of The Lambert Hospital, local councilors, and representatives from the Trust and the Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group. He wants a swift resolution to the present situation and reassurance that the future of the hospital is secure.
"We want a solution to the staffing problem and the ward open again for business. This is too important a facility for it to remain closed. The Lambert has long been a great asset for the community's well being and it must remain for the good health of all. Anyone who is concerned and knows the importance of the hospital must express their views, I ask them to please attend the meeting. I feel very strongly about this and will continue do all I can to help find a viable solution. There has been much fear that by temporarily shutting the ward it could lead to closure by the back door, we must not let that happen."
The public meeting is on Tuesday, March 22 at 6pm at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College.
During the evening the longer-term strategy for community services and plans for public consultation are also expected to be discussed.