DURING the last few weeks, many of you in Crediton and surrounding area, have been kind enough to sign our "Save Our Beds" petition.

So far we have had a fantastic response but we will still be out and about over the next few weeks, so please, if you are asked to sign, please do so.

The North East West Devon Clinical Commissioning Group will be meeting on May 27 and at that meeting they will be deciding on the future direction of our hospital.

They need to know how the people of Crediton feel, and the importance of those 12 inpatient beds to us.

On February 24 I lodged the following motion before the full Council meeting of Mid Devon District Council: "That this Council wishes to express apprehension about the consultation process regarding the future of Crediton Hospital, and would like to relay those concerns to the Minister for Health, hopefully ensuring that he will rigorously scrutinise all the evidence given in that consultation process, therefore ensuring that a fair and equitable decision is arrived at.'

I am confident that this will be carried and we will have the full backing of our District Councillors and that this will then be put before the Minister for Health.

Finally can I say a great big "thank you" to everyone who signed the petition and I hope with the strength of opinion from Crediton people, that the 12 inpatient beds at our hospital will be saved.

Martin Binks

Chairman

Devon Community

Hospitals Action Group