EMERGENCY surgery and stroke treatments will go and the future of maternity services remains uncertain under proposals for Grantham Hospital published this week.
But A and E will remain open and day case operations will increase.
Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust published long-awaited proposals for the future of services in Grantham and the rest of Lincolnshire on Wednesday.
Key proposals for Grantham Hospit
al are:
*Permanent removal of emergency surgery.
*No treatment for stroke patients.
*Increase in the number of simple operations.
*Increase the number of births by 300 a year.
For nearly two years the Journal has led a campaign to prevent cuts at Grantham Hospital.
MP for Grantham Quentin Davies said: "This is a very good day for Grantham and shows our campaign has not been in vain.
"Though there will be subtractions from Grantham Hospital like stroke patients and emergency surgery, but it could be more than counterbalanced by the increase in day case surgery.
"The vital things - consultant-led A&E, elective surgery, our medical consultants and consultant-led anaesthetist cover - will be preserved.
"There's been a fantastic commitment by the people of Grantham and it really shows what can be done."
A spokesman for Grantham Hospital Defence Committee said: "We will oppose the removal of emergency surgery on a permanent basis and look forward to proper and informed debate on its re-instatement.
"We will also continue to press for the re-instatement of full maternity services and intensive care.
"In all we are a little sceptical and have yet to be assured that the proposed plans are in the best interests of the people of Grantham and surrounding areas."
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Gary Walker said: "During the next few weeks we will need to fully understand the implications of the document and consider with our staff the proposals made by Lincolnshire PCT. This will enable us to comment in an informed way in line with our service and financial plan so that we can continue our commitment to providing safe, high quality services for our patients."
*A public information event on the proposals will be held at the Guildhall Arts Centre, St Peter's Hill, Grantham, from 2pm to 7pm on Tuesday, June 12.
Read the full consultation document at www.lpct.nhs.uk
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