Public Speaking Time/Open Session
In accordance with paragraph 2.32 of the Committee Procedural Rules and Appendix 7 to the Rules a period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the meeting on any matter relevant to the work of the body in question. Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman or person presiding will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers. Members of the public are not required to give notice to use this facility. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours’ notice is encouraged.
Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.
Minutes:
Mr Richard Walton presented a petition opposing the current reduction in services at Congleton War Memorial Hospital and asked questions on staffing issues at Macclesfield Hospital which were affecting the Minor Injuries Unit at Congleton War Memorial Hospital. The Chairman received the petition and stated that a written response to the questions would be provided.
A statement from Councillor George Hayes was readout which raised concerns on the future of Congleton War Memorial Hospital.
Councillor Paul Bates spoke in relation to Congleton War Memorial Hospital and stated that it was the best place to provide care for the people of Congleton and asked the NHS Trust to provide services at the Hospital in accordance with their Mission Statement.
A statement from Councillor David Brown was read out which supported the services provided by Congleton War Memorial Hospital, which were of great benefit and value to the residents of Congleton.
Councillor Rhoda Bailey spoke in support of keeping open Congleton War Memorial Hospital as it provided local services for the residents of Congleton and surrounding areas so they did not have travel to Macclesfield.
Congleton Town Councillor Suzanne Akers Smith spoke in support of Congleton War Memorial Hospital and on the well-used services provided there and that having to travel to Macclesfield would cost time and money and asked that the Hospital be kept open.