More students take up town hospital cause

Longdean School pupils with hospital petition in Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead. From left. Abbie Taylor, Ashleigh Boyce, Scarlett Ellis abd Shannen Avis, all aged 15.

Published on 13/02/2013 13:34

Youngsters are being praised for their efforts in setting up campaigns to reinstate vital hospital facilities in Hemel Hempstead.

Support has flown in from MP for Hemel Hempstead Mike Penning and Betty Harris, chair of the Dacorum Hospital Action Group, for the Longdean School pupils who are taking up the cause.

A group of four girls from Year 10 have collected around 700 signatures on their petition to bring back specialist units at the Hillfield Road site, as well as donations towards the equipment it currently houses.

Shannen Avis, 15, said: “I think it is great that so many young people are becoming passionate about issues like this, because we are still going to need hospitals as we grow older. The younger generation is really important.”

Last week, the Gazette reported on Danine Eary and classmate Lauren Hatch, who were trying to raise awareness of the need for a nearby accident and emergency unit due to their life-threatening medical conditions.

Betty said: “The action group has been saying for ages: ‘If only young people would join in with this cause’.

“We haven’t got the support nowadays because people are tired and do not think it is worth bothering.

“But when you see young people getting behind it, it is such a boost to us.”

Mr Penning agreed it is brilliant news that younger people are taking an interest. He said: “It is great that they are engaged and involved in the future of healthcare in Dacorum.

“For the rest of us who have been campaigning about this for years, it is fantastic that we are now going to have some young blood alongside us.”

The MP said the lack of hospital facilities in Hemel Hempstead is one of biggest issues facing the constituency, and said he looks forward to sitting down with the pupils to discuss the problem.

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More students take up town hospital cause

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