Press Release: Residents-for-Uttlesford receives assurance from NHS about future of Saffron Walden Hospital

Monday 9th February 2015, Saffron Walden: Residents-for-Uttlesford (R4U), the local advocacy party for towns and villages, announces that it has received assurances from the NHS about the future of the Radwinter Rd Community Hospital in Saffron Walden. R4U Health and Families Team members and Prospective Candidates (L-R) Sharon Morris, Aisha Anjum, Cllr Heather Asker with R4U chair Cllr John Lodge at Saffron Walden Community Hospital. The future of the hospital has been in question for some time with fears that it may be closed and the site turned into housing. At a recent meeting held by the NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group in Saffron Walden, R4U’s chairman, County Councillor John Lodge sought and received clarity and confirmation about the hospital’s future on behalf of the residents of Saffron Walden and the surrounding villages.

Cllr John Lodge (R4U)

Cllr John Lodge of R4U stated “It is great news that the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group have confirmed their long-term commitment to the Community Hospital in Saffron Walden and that its future is assured. I have also asked that they consider expanding the facility to include the provision of a new doctor’s surgery and medical centre; the NHS has indicated that they will start work on a proposal for this within six to twelve months.”

Sharon Morris (R4U)

Prospective district council candidate Sharon Morris is an R4U spokesperson on local health issues and the joint organiser of the Saffron Walden Boobiebellion event to raise awareness of breast cancer. She said “We are delighted that the NHS has confirmed that this important facility is to be maintained for the community. It undertakes many tests and procedures, provides important care in the local area and can take on an expanded role.”

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About Residents for Uttlesford

Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) is the local independent party of north-west Essex towns and villages. Formed in 2014 by a number of residents’ groups, the party believes that on local issues residents should decide, not Westminster parties.

R4U leads Uttlesford District Council (UDC). It is the fastest growing local political movement in its district. In its first election in 2015 it became the second party at UDC. In 2017 it solidified its position with a further by-election gain with 60% of the vote. In the May 2019 Local Elections R4U gained majority control of UDC winning two-thirds of the seats. The result delivered the biggest loss of seats by any UK Conservative controlled council in the UK.

R4U’s success has been based on the desire to give local people a voice and implement long range strategic and sustainable plans for their area.

R4U also leads Saffron Walden Town Council, where under its stewardship the council has rebuilt finances, invested in community assets, and won multiple awards, including the best run council in Essex. It is a minority party on Great Dunmow Town Council.

Residents for Uttlesford can be found on the web at www.residents4u.org.

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