Agenda item
Notice of Motions
In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12, the following Motion has been received:
Motion 2026/003:
Protecting our Cotswolds hospitals
Proposed by: Councillor Paul Hodgkinson
Seconded by: Councillor Claire Bloomer
Motion:
Rural community hospitals in the Cotswolds at Cirencester, Moreton, Fairford and Tetbury provide essential, accessible healthcare close to home. They ease pressure on larger hospitals such as Cheltenham and Gloucester, support older and recovering patients, and ensure that people in rural areas are not forced into long, difficult journeys for routine treatment and rehabilitation.
Any cuts, closures or “temporary” service changes at any of the Cotswolds’ hospitals undermine this lifeline. When community hospitals lose services, patients face longer waits, families take on increased travel burdens and already stretched NHS services become even more strained. With thousands of new homes planned and an ageing population in the Cotswolds, we need greater investment in our rural hospitals, not further reductions.
We call on this Council to show its support for the future of Cotswolds' NHS services, for the Leader of the Council to write to Gloucestershire's NHS emphasising that all temporary withdrawals of services should be just that - temporary, not permanent and for our local hospitals to be used as much as possible.
Recognising this, Full Council resolves to:
1. Request that the Leader of the Council write formally to Gloucestershire's NHS to seek assurances regarding the long-term future and sustainability local community hospital facilities emphasising that all temporary withdrawals of services should be just that - temporary, not permanent and to advocate for maximum utilisation of local community hospital facilities;
2. Agree the vital role played by rural community hospitals in Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Fairford and Tetbury in providing accessible healthcare to residents of the Cotswolds.
Minutes:
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson was invited to propose Motion 2026/003: Protecting our Cotswolds Hospitals.
In proposing the motion, Councillor Hodgkinson highlighted the importance of community hospitals across the Cotswolds, including facilities in Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Fairford and Tetbury. He stated that local hospitals provided essential healthcare services close to home, including rehabilitation, outpatient services, diagnostics, and minor injury provision, while also reducing pressure on larger acute hospitals.
Councillor Hodgkinson expressed concern regarding the gradual reduction of services within community hospitals and noted that residents were increasingly sceptical of assurances that service reductions described as “temporary” would later be restored. He stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and meaningful consultation where changes to local healthcare provision were proposed. He further noted the importance of local healthcare services within a rural district with an ageing population and planned housing growth, and referred to significant public support for protecting local hospitals.
During the debate, Members from across the Chamber spoke in support of the motion and made the following points:
· Community hospitals played a vital role in supporting elderly and vulnerable residents, particularly those requiring rehabilitation or treatment closer to home.
· Minor Injury Units and local outpatient services were highly valued by residents and often provided quicker and more accessible treatment than larger acute hospitals.
· Local hospitals had played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic, including acting as vaccination centres and supporting wider community healthcare provision.
· Rural healthcare provision was particularly important given transport challenges within the Cotswolds and the increasing demand arising from an ageing population and planned housing growth.
· Members expressed concern regarding the long-term reduction and centralisation of healthcare services and the impact this could have on local communities.
· It was noted that stronger community healthcare and social care provision could help reduce pressure on larger hospitals and improve patient outcomes.
· Members also recognised the important contribution made by NHS staff, volunteers, and community organisations supporting local healthcare services.
Councillor Claire Bloomer seconded the motion, expressing strong support. She highlighted the importance of community hospitals in providing accessible healthcare in rural areas, reducing pressure on larger hospitals, and supporting local communities. She also noted the impact of reduced services over time and the challenges faced by residents travelling longer distances for treatment due to limited public transport provision.
In summing up, Councillor Hodgkinson thanked Members for their support and reflected on positive experiences reported by residents of local hospitals and staff. He reiterated the importance of protecting community hospitals and ensuring that any temporary service reductions did not become permanent by default. He welcomed the suggestion of members that, when writing to NHS England, the Leader should seek clarity on the definition of “temporary”, including an appropriate timeframe, to prevent the term being applied too loosely or without clear limitation. Concerns were expressed that measures described as temporary could otherwise become effectively permanent in the absence of proper review or accountability. He welcomed the cross-party support for the motion and urged Members to support it unanimously.
The Chair then moved to the vote on the motion proposed by Councillor Hodgkinson and seconded by Councillor Bloomer.
Voting record:
29 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Councillor David Cunningham did not vote having left the Chamber at 7.03pm.
Supporting documents:
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