THE new chairman of the Friends of Okehampton Community Hospital has spoken of the vital need to prevent the threat of hospital closure or cuts in rural areas, such as Okehampton. Martin Perry, of Northlew, was elected chairman of the group at its recent meeting, succeeding John Marvin who was appointed president. Mr Perry spoke of his belief in the vital link community hospitals play in rural areas. He said: ?I understand at present 90 community hospitals across the country are threatened with closure or cuts. ?Any such threat in a rural area such as ours would hit the most vulnerable and weakest members of the community. ?Obviously, our first priority is to ensure that our hospital is so well equipped and staffed that closure or cuts are inconceivable. ?We are very fortunate to have a new modern hospital and I am sure everyone in the town and surrounding villages will support us in whatever battles we may encounter.? Mr Perry said he was keen to encourage as many members of the public as possible to join the friends and demonstrate the wide support the hospital enjoys. He said: ?All our events and flag days are well supported and the friends are consequently able to respond to nearly all of the requests we receive. ?Only this week, we have agreed to purchase a paediatric probe for a pulse oximeter that measures the oxygen intake of children with breathing problems. ?We are also currently investigating prices with a view to purchasing some outdoor garden furniture for patients so they may sit out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.? Mr Perry said he was launching a campaign to increase membership, which would indicate to the powers that be that the town and community were solidly behind the hospital. Membership costs £10 per annum, which works out at less than 20p a week. More details on joining are available from Deirdre Young, of Bridestowe, on 01837 861274, who became the new treasurer of the group at the meeting. The Friends Hospital Week will this year be held from July 3 with the annual flag day on Saturday, July 8. Mr Perry added: ?Among our other priorities will be to keep a close eye on issues such as the ?out of hours? service which is currently under review by the Devon Overview and Scrutiny Committee.? He also said he wanted to fight the increasing bureaucracy which appeared to be ?swallowing up? new money being pumped into the NHS by the Government. ?The NHS is a publicly funded organisation and should be answerable to the taxpayer in terms that the layman can understand ? reading the mountain of expensive glossy reports that emanate from the NHS this is seldom true at the moment,? he added.
