Council leader ‘deeply disappointed’ over Government delays in Humber Acute Services review

North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham has said he is seriously concerned and disappointed over continued delays by the Department of Health and Social Care in responding to a formal call-in request over proposed changes to urgent and emergency care services at Scunthorpe General Hospital and Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.

The referral was formally submitted to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in March 2025, following widespread public concern over the potential impact of the proposed changes under the Humber Acute Services Review.

Despite receiving an update from the Department on 11 July 2025, the issue has not been resolved. Officials have confirmed they are still considering whether to use powers under Schedule 10A of the National Health Service Act 2006, and have commissioned the Independent Reconfiguration Panel to review the proposals against statutory guidance.

“This delay is deeply disappointing and unacceptable,” said Cllr Waltham. “Residents across North Lincolnshire and the Humber region deserve clarity and confidence in the future of their local NHS services. The lack of urgency from the department is undermining public trust and leaving communities in limbo.”

The proposed changes could significantly affect access to complex medical, urgent, and emergency care services, prompting calls for greater scrutiny and transparency.

“We are calling on the Secretary of State to act swiftly and decisively,” added Cllr Waltham. “The health and wellbeing of our communities must come first. We cannot afford further delays when lives and livelihoods are at stake.”

Cllr Waltham repeated his promise to fight for local health services and to make sure any changes are properly checked and publicly accountable.