Roz Savage MP Launches Petition to Protect the Future of Cirencester Hospital
South Cotswolds Liberal Democrat MP, Dr Roz Savage, has launched a new petition calling on NHS Gloucestershire and the Government to guarantee the long-term future of Cirencester Hospital and safeguard essential NHS services for communities across the Cotswolds.
Roz launched the petition outside Cirencester Hospital on Monday, joined by local campaigners including the Mayor of Cirencester, the Leader of Cotswold District Council (CDC), councillors from CDC and Gloucestershire County Council, and concerned residents. The strong turnout reflected growing anxiety across the area about the future of the hospital.
The petition follows NHS Gloucestershire’s announcement of a “temporary closure” of the hospital’s daytime operating theatre as part of its ‘Centres of Excellence’ trial. After six months, if the trial is deemed a success, the closure could become permanent, forcing residents to travel to Cheltenham or Gloucester for procedures that have been delivered locally for decades.
Roz’s petition highlights how vital Cirencester Hospital is to the health and wellbeing of rural communities. Community hospitals in the Cotswolds play a crucial role in relieving pressure on Cheltenham General and Gloucester Royal, supporting rehabilitation, providing quicker access to care, and ensuring older and more vulnerable residents are not forced into long and difficult journeys.
With thousands of new homes planned across the area and an ageing population, Roz is warning that any cuts or “temporary” service reductions risk placing unbearable strain on local healthcare.
Speaking on the petition, Roz said:
“My constituents in Cirencester are understandably worried that this so-called temporary closure of the daytime operating theatre will, in reality, become permanent. Our rural NHS services are the backbone of care in the Cotswolds, and they deserve to be protected, not chipped away at. This petition is about coming together as a community to make our voices heard and to stand up for the local, accessible healthcare we rely on.”
Sarah Orr, Mayor of Cirencester, added:
“With Cirencester growing year on year it’s so important for the town to have a functioning hospital. We’ve seen departments at the hospital close over the last few years which just adds the pressure on to Gloucester Royal and Swindon’s GWH, which in turn adds to lengthy waiting lists.”
Joe Harris, Gloucestershire County Councillor for Cirencester Park, said:
“Just over a decade ago we fought against a so-called ‘temporary trial’ downgrade to Cirencester’s Minor Injuries Unit, which was later made permanent. It now feels like history is repeating itself. Cirencester Hospital is a jewel in the Cotswolds’ crown, and we should be investing in its services, not cutting them, to help relieve pressure on larger hospitals like Gloucester and Swindon.”
Paul Hodgkinson, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities & Fire, and Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for North Cotswolds, noted:
“Our local Cotswolds hospitals are real gems. I know that residents value them greatly and we must ensure that as many services as possible are retained in order to safeguard their future."
Residents who wish to support the campaign can sign the petition on Roz Savage’s website under the Campaigning tab, or directly via: https://www.rozsavage.uk/cirencesterhospital
ENDS