Ethel issues MBE threat
A veteran fundraiser has threatened to give up her prized MBE because she is so disgusted at recent developments at Cannock Chase Hospital. A veteran fundraiser has threatened to give up her prized MBE because she is so disgusted at recent developments at Cannock Chase Hospital. Ethel Powell says she is considering sending her award back to Buckingham Palace because she is so incensed at the changes being made at the facility. There are plans to scrap the popular hospital restaurant replacing it with a snack venue as well as relocating a section of the hospital's respite ward, the Day Unit. Mrs Powell said she was disgusted at the plans. "I am seriously on the verge of wrapping up my MBE and posting it right back to Buckingham Palace," she said. "I am so disgusted at the treatment of both the League Of Friends and the hospital itself. "The league has been campaigning for 30 years raising money and what have we go to show for it now? It all fells like it has been for nothing." Ethel, whose campaigning over the last 30 years helped to shape medical care in the town, has raised more than £1.5 million for the hospital. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
A veteran fundraiser has threatened to give up her prized MBE because she is so disgusted at recent developments at Cannock Chase Hospital.Ethel Powell says she is considering sending her award back to Buckingham Palace because she is so incensed at the changes being made at the facility.
There are plans to scrap the popular hospital restaurant replacing it with a snack venue as well as relocating a section of the hospital's respite ward, the Day Unit. Mrs Powell said she was disgusted at the plans.
"I am seriously on the verge of wrapping up my MBE and posting it right back to Buckingham Palace," she said.
"I am so disgusted at the treatment of both the League Of Friends and the hospital itself.
"The league has been campaigning for 30 years raising money and what have we go to show for it now? It all fells like it has been for nothing."
Ethel, whose campaigning over the last 30 years helped to shape medical care in the town, has raised more than £1.5 million for the hospital.
Her comments came days after the announcement that Walsall Wood based company Niken Construction Ltd won a £1 million contract to restructure the facility.
They will reorganise the ground level so it can be leased to other health organisations saving the trust an estimated £500,000 a year.
"I have seen changes in my time," Mrs Powell added.
"I have seen wards shut down to save money and I can't believe how the majority of people are just letting this go under their noses without doing nothing at all. It really upsets me."
Martin Yeates, chief executive of Mid-Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust, said money saved would be spent on improving health care.
He said the trust was committed to creating a vibrant, well-used hospital for the future.
