Council leader tightens grip on NHS bosses as hospital changes begin

The leader of North Lincolnshire Council has stepped in to further protect local residents as the NHS starts rolling out changes to hospital services in Scunthorpe.

At a meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board, chaired by Cllr Rob Waltham, it was made clear that problems are expected to be fixed fast – and residents kept front and centre as the changes are implemented.

Health bosses were set a clear list of priorities, including:

• Access problems at the Community Diagnostic Centre fixed urgently
• Patient transport sorted – no missed appointments, no long waits, no being left stranded
• Regular checks on beds and patient moves
• Neighbourhood care kept front and centre so services are closer to home
• Concerns raised directly with ministers with gaps in NHS guidance and funding challenged
• A seat at the table – no decisions about North Lincolnshire without residents’ voices.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We were clear from the start that we had serious concerns about these changes. Residents shared those concerns yet despite that the Government chose not to act and allowed the NHS to press ahead.

“I was born in that hospital, I know how much it means locally and will continue to fight for residents – my job now is to stay firmly on the case.

“We will challenge poor decisions, push for problems to be fixed quickly, and make sure North Lincolnshire residents are never an afterthought.”

Earlier this year, the Government confirmed it would not step in to stop the NHS Humber Acute Services review, despite acknowledging concerns about the impact on North Lincolnshire residents. The review proposes removing some critical hospital services from Scunthorpe, meaning more patients would be forced to travel to Grimsby or Hull for care they would expect to receive locally.

The council formally asked ministers to intervene and presented detailed evidence on the risks to access, patient outcomes and the long-term future of local services. That request was refused, leaving the NHS free to press ahead with its plans.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for adults, health and communities, said: “What matters is how this affects real people – older residents, families, and those who already rely on health and care services.

“We have been clear with the NHS: missed appointments, poor transport and lack of access are simply not acceptable.

“We will keep pressing until services work properly on the ground – not just on paper.”

Have your say

The council is also urging residents to share their experiences of local health services to help strengthen its challenge on behalf of the community.

Feedback from residents – including issues around appointments, transport and access – is already being used to press the NHS for improvements, and the council wants to hear from more people.

Residents can take part in the council’s health and wellbeing survey online here.