Thank the Lord for independent Councillor Claire Wright and East Devon Alliance Independent Councillor Martin Shaw
Press Release:
“In a hour-long debate in yesterday’s meeting, the Council adopted proposals which Cllr Claire Wright and I, the two Independent members from East Devon, put forward, in place of the original recommendation by the Cabinet. The ruling Conservative group adopted (with a small addition) the wording of my amendment, which Claire seconded, which proposed to work with to influence NHS decisions ‘in the direction of retaining all community hospitals to be used as health and wellbeing centres for their areas’, in place of the original Cabinet recommendation to merely seek ‘decision making appropriate to individual circumstances, including population need and the quality of building.’
This is an important change in direction by the Council, which is now committed for the first time to work to retain ALL hospitals, as Claire (who proposed the original motion) had requested. The Conservative leader, Cllr John Hart, insisted on adding the words ‘where appropriate’ to my proposal, which we opposed because it provides the NHS with additional leeway to close hospitals. Cllr Hart’s addendum was too much for one Conservative Councillor, Jonathan Hawkins (Dartmouth), who voted with the opposition for my amendment without this addition, in the light of his community’s experience of the closure of Dartmouth Hospital.
The Devon Clinical Commissioning Groups could end this controversy with a clear policy statement that all remaining hospitals will stay open and will be supported as health and wellbeing centres for our communities. Until this happens, Claire and I, with the support of tens of thousands of people around Devon who are fighting for their local hospitals, will continue our campaign. On yesterday’s evidence, we are winning.”
Martin Shaw
Independent East Devon Alliance County Councillor for Seaton & Colyton”
East Devon Watch 
So very well done Martin and Claire, we appreciate everything you do for our communities.
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So proud of our Independent Councillors, in particular Claire Wright and Martin Shaw who through their dedication and commitment achieved a change in direction by DCC, who will now work towards retaining our local hospitals. Also a big thank you to Jonathan Hawkins Conservative Councillor for supporting them in achieving this change of direction by DCC. Lots more still to be done, but well done our Independent Councillors working so hard for their local communities.
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