Thursday, 4pm - One year on from the Journal's protest rally to oppose cuts at Grantham Hospital, the future of some of its services remain in doubt.
On September 9 last year thousands gathered in Wyndham Park in a mass show of public opposition to hospital cuts.
Speakers included Journal editor Tim Robinson, MP for Grantham Quentin Davies, Labour peer Giles Radici, Mayor of Grantham John Wilks and councillors Mike Williams, John Hurst and Margery Radley. The event was compered by Wade Rowlett of Grantham Business Club.
In November this year Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust will announce the outcome of a consultation on the future of health services in the county. The future of emergency general surgery and maternity services at Grantham Hospital hangs in the balance until then.
Wade Rowlett said: "We raised the profile and awareness and got a show of strength from the people of Grantham without a doubt.
"It was the largest assembly of people in Grantham that I can remember.
"I think we've now got stronger leadership at the trust, and they're prepared to listen.
"The war hasn't been won, but I think we're on our way."
Retired A&E consultant emeritus Lakshmi Chakrabarti said: "At the moment we haven't won anything at all. We've lost the fight - Grantham Hospital is practically a cottage hospital.
"I can't imagine a hospital without emergency surgery."
But MP for Grantham Quentin Davies recently told the Journal he felt the battle for Grantham Hospital had been won.
He said: "That is a great credit to the people of Grantham who fought so hard to save the hospital."
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