Dear Editor,

It was good news that the Ross Gazette received assurances from the Health Chiefs confirming there are no plans to loose ALL of the beds.

However, their statement did not rule out any reduction to beds and their plan indicates up to 200 community hospital beds are at risk in Herefordshire (44%) [source BBC News]. That is equivalent to one of the two Ross Community Hospital Wards closing.

The Draft Sustainability and Transformation plan is coming to the end of its engagement period and once updated and published for formal consultation with the public the decision will have been made. There will be no turning back. I believe it is better to try to influence these decisions before they have been made.

I have had a great response with over 300 supporters, 100+ on line and 200 signing the Petition in person at Ross-on-Wye’s Saturday’s Market (4th March). Concerned residents can sign the petition at: https://www.change.org/p/nhs-wye-valley-trust-keep-ross-on-wye-s-community-hospital-beds.

Julian Utting, Ross-on-Wye