A ballot organised by the Save Newark Hospital Campaign has gained a staggering 131 responses in just four hours – all wanting the A&E function to be retained. It took NHS Nottinghamshire County six months to gain just 263 responses to its public consultation.

NHS Nottinghamshire County’s Board is due to make its decision over the future of Newark Hospital’s A&E at lunchtime (Thursday 17th June). It’s widely expected that the Board will decide on an ‘Urgent Care Centre’.

Commenting Save Newark Hospital’s Campaign Chair, Dr Ian Campbell said:

‘The whole consultation process has been a complete sham. It was clear NHS Nottinghamshire County were never going to listen to what the people of Newark and its villages wanted. The proposed Urgent Care Centre is a Minor Injuries Unit in all but name and clearly not what the people want, or need. It’s the thin end of the wedge for Newark Hospital.’