Ross Labour Party held a successful street stall in the Market Place on Saturday, December 16th and invited shoppers to drop off donations of food and hygiene products for the Ross Community Larder - Ross-on-Wye’s food bank. The generosity of seasonal shoppers was magnificent and much appreciated.

The stall included a poll on issues with local NHS services currently experienced by residents. The four issues were; availability of GP appointments (residents frequently comment on having to wait a week or more appointment), wards at Ross Community Hospital (closures have been recently proposed at other community facilities in Herefordshire), the Minor Injuries Unit at Ross Hospital (closed for December), and support on discharge from hospital (the need for social care while recuperating).

There were 62 responses to the poll and the resulting priority for campaigning was the Minor Injuries Unit, support on discharge from hospital, wards at Ross Hospital and availability of GP appointments.

Numerous participants said that all four issues were of great concern. Many of the participants shared their experiences, and other issues that were also mentioned included lack of A&E services, problems with mental health services and support for former members of the forces and the travelling community. The distance of Ross from the main hospital at Hereford, together with associated transport difficulties, was seen as a contributing factor.

A Labour spokesperson said: “The underfunding of the NHS and consequent threats to local health services are on people’s minds in Ross this winter.”