Harborough Endoscopy Unit to reopen soon

Upgrade to existing building - questions raised

Formal confirmation of the reopening date for Harborough's much troubled Endoscopy/ Minor Procedures Unit should be announced any day. At a meeting this week with top bosses from the Consortium Cllr Phil Knowles - East Midlands Regional Policy Officer, who has headed the Harborough Hospital Campaign for over twenty years received indications that the unit should reopen just before or just after Christmas.

'' I raised the original concerns about this units latest problems and took the opportunity to run through all of the key points during the meeting. By the time it reopens it will in effect have been closed for at least 14 weeks, in excess of three months, with all of the inconvenience to the community the closure has meant. I hope that once it is reopened we will see a full explanation of the problems along with details of the work that has been undertaken to solve matters published''

Phil Knowles continued '' There is no doubt that there will have been considerable costs incurred during this closure and though I understand the costs should not impact on the public purse there is still cause for concern. I also raised a number of other matters. The provision of improved bus services, this is still on the list for discussion. The potential to upgrade and care for the existing buildings, I'm promised will be investigated. Renaming of the unit is I'm told to happen and the community will be involved in the decision. The opening of the second phase is on schedule so within the next 18 months or so Harborough should have its new flag ship facility finally open''