I READ with dismay the comments of friend Bart Venner. I have heard that Bart was a member of the first so-called Forest PCT when the first threat to close our Dilke Hospital arose. Perhaps he could correct me if I am wrong. If I am, I would apologise.
I also wonder if he was involved in the huge struggle to stop the former PCT's attempts to close both Dilke and Lydney this last time. Did he spend hours and hours getting thousands of letters and signatures and attend hours and hours in meetings supporting SOS, Forest Health Future and Social Enterprise Trust?
Sir Ian Carruthers gave his backing to set up a Social Enterprise Trust so that we Foresters should have control of the hospitals' destiny. When the PCT was going to close the Dilke, it was through creative accounting: 'the boiler would not last another 12 months' (it's still going), 'the buildings were too old – let's have a new central hospital'.
I would remind Jan Baynham and Bruce Hogan of their comments, wanting this when she knew FHF was against the idea. Thank the Lord for all who gave hundreds of hours with me to save what we have.
Mrs Baynham well knows how the money was spent – she voted for it. She is, in my opinion, running with the hare and the hounds as she always has. Nail your true colours to the mast Mrs Baynham!
The sooner our Forest hospitals are in the hands of Forest folk, the better and safer they will be.
So, rally around those who want to own our hospitals for the Forest. I did not work myself to the bone for this to happen for nothing. I wonder how many millions are wasted every year by the bureaucrats – it's our money, let us see the balance sheets!
What is the PCT afraid of? Foresters defending themselves under the Freedom of Information Act? I ask for the accounts for the last eight years where they have misspent our money.
The Chemotherapy Unit at the Dilke was not provided by the PCT but the charity Hope for Tomorrow, after fundraising by folks not living in the Dean. Since the unit came to Speech House, some 18 months ago for Foresters to inspect, a group was set up which has raised over £30,000. After much lobbying, we now have it at the Dilke every Tuesday, no thanks to the PCT, but to the generosity of Hope for Tomorrow, who keep the unit on the road.
The Trust is also raising funds for another unit to be used and a small unit to visit the day before, for patients to be assessed and blood taken. You see that there are other means to keep our health service in the Dean, so do not decry what others are doing for the Forest.
Melville Watts was heard to say on BBC Gloucestershire that the PCT are doing so well and that a Community Interest Company should be put on ice. Heaven forbid! Mr Watts has been on FHF and the SET groups, fighting for this!
Why are they doing this? Is it because they fear opposition from us Foresters and the Community Enterprise? Perhaps they could explain! – Maurice V Bent, True Forester and Forest hospitals campaigner.