Council Leader Rob Waltham has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, calling for an urgent update on the review of controversial proposals to downgrade key services at Scunthorpe hospital.
The council formally referred the plans to the Government earlier this year, following widespread concern over NHS proposals to move vital hospital services to Grimsby.
The move has raised significant alarm among local residents, healthcare professionals, and political leaders.
The council’s Health and Wellbeing Board initially raised the issue in July 2024, warning the proposed changes could seriously impact patient care across North Lincolnshire.
Key concerns include:
• Increased travel times for emergency and specialist treatment
• Reduced access to urgent care services
• Worsening health inequalities for vulnerable communities
Despite repeated calls for a locally-focused solution, the council says it has been left with no choice but to escalate the matter, and is now demanding clarity from national government.
Cllr Waltham said: “Our community deserves answers. We’ve followed the process and now we’re asking – what’s being done and when will we hear back?
“We cannot stand by while vital services are stripped from Scunthorpe. This is about fairness, safety, and making sure our residents receive the care they need, close to home. The people of North Lincolnshire deserve better, and we won’t stop fighting for them.”
The council is seeking a clear and immediate response from Westminster, outlining:
• The steps being taken to review the referral
• A timeline for when a formal decision will be communicated
Cllr Waltham added that national decision-makers must act swiftly and prioritise the healthcare needs of local people. “This is about standing up for North Lincolnshire. Local services must reflect local needs – not be dictated by distance.”
