EX-Prime Minister Backs St Helier Campaign

4.59.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 20th Apr 2007

On the 12th of March, Tom Brake MP, Liberal Democrat for Carshalton and Wallington wrote to former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon Sir John Major who was born at St Helier to ask him to support Tom's campaign to save St. Helier Hospital.

John Major's chief of staff wrote back on the 13th April expressing John Major's concern and "great personal affection" for the local hospital, throwing his weight behind Tom Brake and his bid to save the local hospital.

The looming threat of closure inspired Tom Brake to launch the Save Our St. Helier campaign, leading thousands of local residents in November's S.O.S. march.

After hearing of the bizarre measures implemented at the local hospital to meet 'efficiency saving' targets, Tom decided to take further action and questioned the PM directly on the issue. Heating has been shut off, light bulbs have been removed, milk is no longer available for staff teas and coffees and beds have been cut, to name but a few of the desperate measures taken by the hospital to cut costs.

As part of the campaign, Tom Brake sought support from constituents and others for whom the hospital holds great significance.

The former Conservative Prime Minister, John Major, was born at the hospital. His office has stated that he will write to the Secretary of State for Health, Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt MP to express his concern over the St. Helier's "danger of closure."

Commenting on John Major's support for his campaign Tom Brake said, "I am delighted that Sir John is backing the bid to Save Our St. Helier. Local residents have signed my petition in the thousands and Sir John's backing for the campaign heaps further pressure on Patricia Hewitt to intervene."