2:26pm Wednesday 23rd April 2008
By Lisa Williams
Health care union UNISON has slammed the government over the "devastating" temporary closure of the Henderson Hospital.
Talking about today's closure of the specialist mental health hospital, union representative Michael Walker said central government should bear the blame.
"We do not blame the local trust for the closure, they simply do not have the money to keep the service open and we recognise this fact, The blame must be put at the door of the Department of Health who have systematically undermined all attempts to maintain this national service," he said.
He added that staff at the hospital were devastated by the decision which he believes is a blow to the future development of the site.
"UNISON and other unions will now be working closely with management to try and secure the best options possible for staff and residents," he said.
Mr Walker also thanked local MPs Tom Brake and Paul Burstow for their support of the hospital.
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