Councillors reduced to swearing to describe NHS Suffolk
Wednesday, 31st October 2012.
Haverhill Town Councillors apologised for swearing during a debate about healthcare in the town at last night's meeting.
Several memberssaid they were running out of polite language to describe the conduct of NHS Suffolk Primary Care Trust over the closure of the Crown Health Centre.
A main reason put forward for the closure by the PCT was that it would be unlikely to gain planning permission to retain the temporary buildings after the current permission runs out at the end of this year.
But the PCT is now providing healthcare services in the temporary buildings while the Camps Road health centre is refurbished, and has applied for a six month extension to the permission.
Members of the town council's planning committee meeting last week felt they could not object because the services wee needed.
But they also wanted to have their say at a full council meeting about the PCT's actions.
Cllr Clive Turner said: "The entire town of Haverhill and its taxpayers were misled bu NHS Suffolk.It's an utter disgrace.
"We must express our outrage at their unashamed behaviour - what a role model for people in society! They are just taking the p**s."
Some other members used similarly colourful language, but apologised in doing so.
Cllr Bryan Hawes described the PCT's behaviour as 'disingenuous'. "I was amazed," he said. "They have not been straight with us."
Cllr Maureen Byrne said the dishonesty infuriated her. "They think they can do whatever they like because it's Haverhill," she said. "They couldn't do it in Bury St Edmunds."
She urged the council should wtrite a strongly-worded letter. "We must tell them they are liars and dishonest," she said. "It should be the strongest letter possible - without swearing."
Members agreed to ask the clerk to draw up such a letter.
Several memberssaid they were running out of polite language to describe the conduct of NHS Suffolk Primary Care Trust over the closure of the Crown Health Centre.
A main reason put forward for the closure by the PCT was that it would be unlikely to gain planning permission to retain the temporary buildings after the current permission runs out at the end of this year.
But the PCT is now providing healthcare services in the temporary buildings while the Camps Road health centre is refurbished, and has applied for a six month extension to the permission.
Members of the town council's planning committee meeting last week felt they could not object because the services wee needed.
But they also wanted to have their say at a full council meeting about the PCT's actions.
Cllr Clive Turner said: "The entire town of Haverhill and its taxpayers were misled bu NHS Suffolk.It's an utter disgrace.
"We must express our outrage at their unashamed behaviour - what a role model for people in society! They are just taking the p**s."
Some other members used similarly colourful language, but apologised in doing so.
Cllr Bryan Hawes described the PCT's behaviour as 'disingenuous'. "I was amazed," he said. "They have not been straight with us."
Cllr Maureen Byrne said the dishonesty infuriated her. "They think they can do whatever they like because it's Haverhill," she said. "They couldn't do it in Bury St Edmunds."
She urged the council should wtrite a strongly-worded letter. "We must tell them they are liars and dishonest," she said. "It should be the strongest letter possible - without swearing."
Members agreed to ask the clerk to draw up such a letter.
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