County councillors say they will scrutinise the decision to close of minor injury units at community hospitals in Leominster and Ross-on-Wye over the winter.
Wye Valley NHS Trust closed the units on December 3 and are not expected to reopen them until the end of April.
The decision has been made as part of the trust’s strategy to help relieve winter pressures but residents in Ross fear the temporary closure could lead to a permanent loss of the service in the market town.
Paul Symonds asked Herefordshire Council’s adults and wellbeing committee if they would review and scrutinise the closure.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he will be presenting a petition to the hospital on February 1 signed by more than 2,000 residents calling on the health trust to reopen the unit in Ross.
“We are also asking the trust to engage with local stakeholders before any future changes and to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining services in community hospitals,” he said.
Wye Valley NHS Trust spokesperson said the temporary minor injuries unit closures allows hospital bosses to redeploy experienced emergency nurse practitioners to provide support where it is most needed.
“Built to see around 125 patients a day, the emergency department now regularly sees more than 180 a day and has recently had days with more than 200 people attending.
“The Trust’s main concern is the safety of patients with acute and emergency conditions ensuring that they are assessed, diagnosed and treated rapidly.”
Committee chairman Polly Andrews said: “The scrutiny committee is responsible for setting its own work programme and shall have regard to the resources and time available.”
The adults and wellbeing committee agreed to add the issue to the programme.
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