THE MP for St Ives has said he will step-up his campaign for improved 24/7 urgent treatment at Penzance Hospital, following the recent visit of Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey MP.

Sir Ed and Andrew George met senior managers and clinicians at West Cornwall Hospital last weekend.

They were shown around the hospital by Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) CEO Steve Williamson, medical director, Dr Chris Reid, and WCH medical director Dr Francis Old.

Andrew said: “Ed understands that Cornwall is a long thin peninsula. If Truro struggles, we in the far west have nothing for the best part of the next 100 miles, or two hours on the train. He acknowledges that building up West Cornwall Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) is a ‘no-brainer’.

Sir Ed and Andrew met senior managers and clinicians at West Cornwall Hospital last weekend 2.
Sir Ed and Andrew about to be shown around West Cornwall Hospital (Submitted)

“Even though it’s such a small and landlocked site, it’s remarkable what the hospital does and achieves for our local community. But it can deliver so much more if it gets the backing to reopen the UTC 24/7, providing, this time it gets the medical back-up, diagnostic and ambulance support to safely manage the range of patients who may turn up.

“I was reminded that in April 2001 we led a protest march containing more people than live in Penzance. We filled the streets of the town. A demonstration of people power against the then plans to downgrade the hospital. There have been many battles since.

Andrew George, Sir Ed Davy and Steve Williamson.
Andrew George MP, Sir Ed Davey MP and RCHT CEO Steve Williamson (Submitted)

“Of course it’s good to see the £9.6m newbuild outpatients department progressing at the front of the hospital. Having modern and more accessible facilities will improve matters immeasurably. Though we need more clinics available in that new building, to justify the expense. We also need to build resources there so we can finally re-establish a clinically safe and medically supported 24/7 UTC there.”

Sir Ed, who was impressed with the team at West Cornwall Hospital, has reiterated his support for Andrew’s campaign to improve the facilities at the site.

He said: “Local people deserve to see excellent hospitals like West Cornwall properly resourced – not only to support their own communities, but also to ease the pressure on larger District General Hospitals like Treliske. Re-establishing Urgent Treatment on a 24/7 basis at West Cornwall is vital to help reduce the strain on Treliske – cutting the time patients are stuck in a corridor or the back of an ambulance, and improving outcomes for everyone.”