CREDITON Hospital League of Friends has asked some important questions concerning future ownership of items donated by the League to the Hospital.

Mrs Judi Binks, vice-chairman of the League has now issued a statement expressing its concerns, which reads: “The proposed transition of Crediton Hospital services from North Devon Healthcare Trust to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in June leaves a huge question mark over the ownership of property, a significant amount of which was bought by the League of Friends from contributions given by friends and families of patients.

“The current proposals are that NHS Property Services will take over ownership of hospital equipment and property in June and are expected to charge a commercial rent for its use and hire, which will affect the viability of volunteer community groups to continue their services.

“From the viewpoint of the Crediton Hospital League of Friends, we are very concerned, because over the years we have given a huge amount of money on behalf of the local community towards the fabric of the building and items of equipment for patients, visitors and staff.

“This property should not be taken over by NHS Property Services without full consultation and agreement, as it was given by the community and should remain within the community.

“A genuine partnership approach is the only way forward and League of Friends should be at the heart of the new arrangements.

“We value these gifts of compassion for their emotional currency which paid for little items of comfort, as well as the “big ticket” items of buildings and extensions.

“No matter what else happens, I want to reassure the people of Crediton that the League of Friends funds will not be touched or appropriated by the NHS Property Services.

“As Sue Read (secretary, Crediton Hospital League of Friends) put it so well: ‘Crediton people worked so hard for years to get the hospital in the first place, then more funds were raised for extensions, never mind all the things to help the patients such as proper china, a proper back rest basin for hair washing, things to make the bathroom safer, a third set of curtains for the wards so there was always a spare set, special beds, so many things just for the wards never mind the rest of the hospital and for the staff.’

“Mel Stride MP has written to Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary, asking him to consider a solution involving the possible formation of a Community Interest Company, representing our interests, to work alongside NHS Property Services.

“As the recently elected Vice Chair of Crediton Hospital League of Friends, I’m going to work hard to resolve the question of ownership of all items donated by the LoF for the benefit of the patients and staff of Crediton Community Hospital.

“We shall resist moves by NHS Property Services to appropriate them without consultation and we will champion our role as continuing community stakeholders and hope that Jeremy Hunt will consider our request for immediate attention to the matter so that it can be resolved fairly.”

Alan Quick