THE FIGHT to bring back Solihull’s Accident and Emergency services has relaunched with the backing of Solihull West and Shirley MP, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst.
Saqib Bhatti, MP for Meriden and Solihull East, originally launched his petition in May before the General Election calling for services to be reinstated at the Lode Lane hospital.
Around 1,500 people signed the petition.
Now Mr Bhatti is hoping those who he spoke with while canvassing during the election and with the backing of Dr Shastri-Hurst’s petition will see the power of the community to help bring back services.
The Meriden and Solihull East MP said: “I am delighted to be relaunching my A&E for Solihull petition alongside Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst. I have always championed healthcare within my constituency, delivering several facilities, including a minor injuries unit, a community diagnostic centre and a state-of-the-art surgical hub.
“My constituents are united in calling for A&E services to be restored to Solihull and I would urge everyone to sign the petition to demonstrate the strength of local feeling on this issue.”
Since the return of Parliament the two Conservative MPs have written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ask for his support in securing A&E services for Solihull and requested to meet with the Secretary of State to discuss the need for A&E services in the borough.
During the Department of Health and Social Care’s oral parliamentary questions, Mr Bhatti reiterated the need for A&E services in the Solihull borough and again asked for the Secretary of State to meet with himself and Dr Shastri-Hurst to discuss how the budget can support the people of Solihull through increased investment in healthcare provisions.
The duo have also held a meeting with the Chair of the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board to discuss the current healthcare provisions.
Dr Shastri-Hurst said: “Ensuring constituents have access to timely high-quality healthcare is a key priority for me. Whilst it is encouraging to see the opening of the surgical hub at Solihull Hospital, there is a compelling case for restoring Emergency Department services.
“This is particularly the case given our growing population in the Borough. I stand with residents in our pursuit for seeing services restored locally. By signing the petition, you can help send a message that you want services restored to Solihull Hospital.”
Currently, Sihillians in need of medical treatment to help with broken bones, sprains, cuts, stomach pains and rashes minor burns can book and appointment at the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at the Lode Lane Hospital.
But anything more serious residents are re-directed to Heartlands Hospital in Bordesley Green.
Historically Solihull did have an A&E department but in 2013 hospital bosses admitted there had not been a full and proper A&E at Solihull for many years – with A&E services dwindling bit by bit over two decades.
The closure came while Solihull Hospital was under the management of the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT).
To sign Mr Bhatti’s petition click here.
To sign Dr Shastri-Hurst’s petition here.
