Proposals to reduce the opening hoursof the minor injuries unit Lichfield’s Samuel Johnson Community Hospital have been branded “totally unacceptable” by the city’s MP.
The local Clinical Commissioning Group has outlined the potential overnight closure of the facility due to the low number of people using it.
But Michael Fabricant MP says that already stretched GP services will bear the brunt of any backlash caused by changes to opening times.
“I have written to Dr John James and officials at the local Clinical Commissioning Group based in Tamworth telling them that a major reduction in the hours or closure of the minor injuries unit would be totally unacceptable,” he said.
“I explained that the minor injuries unit was well used at the old Victoria Hospital in Lichfield and continues to be an important resource at the Samuel Johnson Hospital which replaced it
“Closure of the minor injuries unit, or any major reduction in its opening hours, will result in more pressure at already busy GP practices in the area.”
Mr Fabricant says he is prepared to take a stand on the issue.
“Depending on the response to my letter, I may have to escalate this matter to Government Ministers at the Department of Health,” he explained.
