There are some places in Bedford that I can’t imagine not existing. Bedford Hospital is one of them.
My children were born there. In recent years I have visited family and friends who have spent time there. And I have even had to use the children’s A&E in the past – an incredible team.
When we face our hardest moments, Bedford Hospital and the wider health service in Bedford Borough is there for us. Thank you to everyone who works there.
But Bedford Hospital is under threat again.
The Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council now suggests Bedford Hospital close and be sold for housing because an “all singing and all dancing” hospital is on the “shopping list” for Tempsford New Town.
Well, hands off our Hospital. Again.
The people of Bedford Borough could tell him a thing or two about asking for more healthcare facilities – we revealed in 2022 that our area has one of the lowest numbers of GPs per patient in the country.
And we know how slow the NHS is at delivering the change we need, that we’ve been calling for and even putting capital funding up for.
More healthcare, not less
As Bedford Borough itself grows, we need more and improved healthcare, not less, and that goes beyond just the Hospital and beyond physical health to mental health too.
I was really pleased to see the Kelvin Grove mental health facility open last week. A commitment to mental health provision that needs to expand.
Saving our hospital and protecting our health services requires constant vigilance and the seizing of every opportunity:
- In 2007, I remember helping local Liberal Democrat councillors in their campaign to protect Bedford Hospital.
- In 2016, after a series of Freedom of Information requests I submitted, we uncovered secret plans to close maternity services at Bedford Hospital. We then worked with local MPs from across the political spectrum, and fellow councillors and independent health campaigners to ensure it was protected.
- In 2018, we campaigned to Save Putnoe Walk-In. In 2020, we welcomed the opening of Shortstown Surgery, and we are currently working cross-party for GP services in Kempston, Wootton, Wixams, and Great Barford.
Assurances needed
Right now, those served by Bedford Hospital should not be left in limbo. Residents need assurances that our hospital will be safe.
The plans for a new Bedford Hospital train station are an opportunity to give Bedford Hospital a swift and direct link to Addenbrooke’s – saving patients, visitors and staff alike a 90-minute journey by car or a two-hour journey by bus, depending on the time of day.
Consultants will be able to visit Bedford Hospital for day surgeries, strengthening Bedford’s capacity and expertise.
Bedford Hospital must have a strong future and a Council that will seize opportunities to protect its investment, support its development, and make it more accessible.
Bedford Hospital belongs to our community. We have stood up for it before, and we will stand up for it again.
This is a monthly guest column provided by Cllr Henry Vann,
leader of the Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group.
It is published unedited and does not reflect the
views of the Bedford Independent.
