14th November 2005 updated 8th January 2006.

Join the actions to save the SMC Trust - and write to Secretary of State for Health

 
In 1915 Standish Hospital was run by the Red Cross and when the NHS was created it was passed to them to provide local Health services to the community.

 
Following local consultation in 2002 responding to the threat of closure the Standish Mutual Care (SMC) group was created. It offered a vision for the 31 acre Standish site  that included a range of health facilities nad services for the community. SMC, which grew out of the Save Our Standish protest group, is working with various partners to set up a unique health and social care community.

 
SMC was even given a grant of more than £100,000 by the Department of Health to carry out a study into the feasibility of setting up such a centre on the Standish site.

This high quality proposal planned to offer a patient-led health facility in line with Government objectives. Local authorities and others were consulted SMC was short listed out of 16 bidders. Benefits to all stakeholders was demonstrated including the Department of Health. They became the NHS Estates' DH preferred bidder and submitted the plan within the 12 weeks specified. Yet there is still no decision. Standish closed in January and is still empty. It is now being remarketed.

SMC Project leader Dr Karin von Degenberg said: "This site can be turned into an exciting community asset, rather than being left to rot for so long that this is no longer a viable option. We feel this bid is an ideal solution for the Standish site - it promotes a patient-led NHS and choice." 

Philip Booth, a Gloucestershire Green party spokesperson: "We have long supported those who want to see the site saved for the community. The SMC plans are in keeping with the conditions stipulated in 1915 when the land was originally donated as a health facility for the community. I can't see how any other decision should be made. Even David Miliband, from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, has said that they are very keen to reinvest in community assets. This is surely a perfect opportunity for them to show they mean that."

People power.

A peaceful 'sit in' protest took place at Standish on 7th January. Over 60 demonstrators including Greens and David Drew MP braved the cold to call for a government decision on Standish. We still need people to write in support:

Write to the Secretary of State for Health at Department of Health, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2NS

Make points in your own words like:

- Everything has been done that was required like full consultation and benefits to all stakeholders clearly outlined.
- The Department of Health appears to be more concerned with the price of land than the price of life!
- The longer the property is left in the current state the more itr
- Standish Mutual Care Trust plans to use the site to provide the community with both health services and alternative therapies.
- Urge the Secretary of State for Health to say YES to Standish Mutual Care Trust.