CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed the announcement that controversial plans to rename the Selby War Memorial Hospital could be overturned by a public vote.

Bosses at NHS North Yorkshire and York and York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust were so overwhelmed by public opposition to renaming the hospital they have organised a “mini referendum” on the name for the new hospital.

Interested parties now have until April 14 to vote online or by freepost for either the Selby Community Hospital or The New Selby War Memorial Hospital.

Janet Probert, managing director of community and mental health services in North Yorkshire and York, said: “We have been moved by the depth of feeling in Selby for the name of the old hospital so we are now seeking to engage with the public on what to call the hospital once it opens in June.

“We are very much aware of the importance of the war memorial legacy in the hospital’s history, and we plan to recognise this in a number of ways. In the meantime, I would appeal to anyone who has a preference on what to call the new hospital to let us know.”

Peter Palmer, a member of the Fraternitie of Olde Selebians, said: “I think the proposal is to their credit, that the NHS is willing to consider the feelings and emotion of the people in Selby who have fought against the new name.”

A spokesman for NHS North Yorkshire and York said the referendum was open to all interested parties, not just Selby residents.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, said he would be voting to keep the war memorial name. “I’m very pleased the trust has listened to the strength of opinion, not just from politicians, but from ordinary Selby folk who are angry at the change of name.”

Selby District Council leader Mark Crane said: “I think it shows they have listened to public opinion in Selby, and I urge everyone to go online or write in and cast their vote. I shall certainly be voting to keep the war memorial hospital name.”

Readers can register their preference in the following ways:

• On the PCT’s website at www.northyorkshireandyork.nhs.uk

• By email to: communications@nyypct.nhs.uk

• By post; stating name, address and preference, to: Selby Hospital Name Referendum, FREEPOST RSHB-UTRR-LZUA, NHS North Yorkshire and York, The Hamlet, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, HG2 8RE.

NHS North Yorkshire and York can only accept one vote per person.

Additional votes submitted by the same person will be discounted.


Comments pour in from around world

NEWS of the proposed name change has led to individuals around the world voicing their opinion.

Captain Robert Albert, of the Canadian Air Force in British Columbia, said: “I wholeheartedly agree that the name of the hospital should remain as it is.

“With so few remaining veterans to give first-hand accounts, names of institutions like the Selby War Memorial Hospital may be all that is left.“ Jim Stanton, president of the Royal United Services Institute in Vancouver, said: “Such an unnecessary decision does not honour the sacrifices of all those young warriors who gave their lives in defence of the United Kingdom in two world wars, nor to the intentions of those who first chose the name.”

Arthur Barrett, Flight Lieutenant (Retired), said: “Word has reached me here in Newfoundland that a movement is afoot to change the name of Selby War Memorial Hospital. “As a former member of Bomber Command who served in Yorkshire during the Second World War, I am alarmed and disappointed to say the least, that some thoughtless person or persons should suggest such a change. Those responsible should bear in mind ‘Lest We Forget’.”

Jim Stewart, former fighter pilot with 609 (West Riding) Squadron, said: “I am too aware personally of the dreadful sacrifices made. One has only to read the innumerable cenotaphs in Yorkshire alone to understand the dreadful costs of two world wars.”

Jerry Smith, a retired member of the Canadian Air Force, said: “I find it hard to believe the citizens of Selby of the 1940s were grateful, and the citizens of Selby in 2011 are not. I was on parade at RAF Digby in June, 1991, to install a cairn to the memory of Royal Canadian Air Force members in the Second World War. As a warning to us all, the vicar said ‘In time, these memorials will be forgotten, as we dismiss the memorials of the Crimean War.’ I didn’t think it would happen so soon.”