“We need to show health bosses that Redditch wants the Garden Suite back” – that’s the rallying cry from Rachel Maclean MP as she launches a petition calling for the chemotherapy service to be returned to the Alexandra Hospital.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust ‘temporarily’ moved the Garden Suite Chemotherapy Unit from the Alexandra Hospital to Kidderminster Hospital during the pandemic in order to keep chemotherapy patients safe.
However, back in March Trust bosses publicly said that, in the summer, they may look at making this move permanent.
Rachel then convened a meeting of the Alex Working Group to tell Trust bosses this was unacceptable and that “Temporary must mean temporary.”
And, as Rachel continues to do everything she can to ensure the Garden Suite is returned, she has now launched a petition and is calling on residents to sign it in order to demonstrate public support for the Garden Suite returning to the Alex.
“We need to show health bosses that Redditch wants the Garden Suite back,” Rachel said.
“The Garden Suite’s home was at the Alex before this pandemic and, together, let’s fight to make sure it’s brought home when it’s safe to do so.
“I’m doing everything I can to return the Garden Suite by talking to health bosses through my Alex Working Group and by involving government ministers.
“But now Redditch needs to make its voice heard. Please sign this petition to tell Trust bosses that you want the Garden Suite returned to the Alex. Together, let’s show them Redditch doesn’t support the service permanently remaining at Kidderminster Hospital.”
Rachel has been moved by the emails she has received from constituents who are angry at the possibility the Garden Suite may not return to the Alex.
“Ever since Trust bosses publicly said the Garden Suite may not return to the Alex, I have received many emails from constituents who have used this service. I have been moved by their stories and how deeply passionate they are about seeing the Garden Suite returned to our town’s hospital.
“I’ve also heard from constituents who are now having to travel to Kidderminster for treatment. Contrary to what health bosses have told me, I’ve not heard any positive feedback from my constituents about the possibility of this service not returning to the Alex.”
