Rachael Maskell MP for York Central is meeting the Health Minister Steve Barclay MP in Westminster on Wednesday 18 July to continue to make the case that the public land at Bootham Park Hospital is not sold to the highest bidder by NHS Property Services Limited, but should be kept within the health sector for affordable and social housing.

Ms Maskell has previously stated that grounds should be kept for open access for York people and the land to be considered for a public park, whilst the potential for new homes should primarily be considered for NHS staff at affordable and social rates.

Further to this, the MP for York Central has raised the specific case of Bootham Park Hospital in Parliament on twelve occasions, including her maiden speech in June 2015 and also in a specific debate that Ms Maskell secured in Westminster Hall in 2016. In March 2016, Ms Maskell handed in a 8,000 signature strong petition to 10 Downing Street asking for the site to continue to be used for health services.

Rachael Maskell MP says:
“I have fought, year in and year out for my constituents to get a positive outcome from the shocking closure of Bootham Park Hospital in York. I’ve raised this important issue at every chance I have had. From my Maiden Speech to the Queen’s Speech, I have spoken out about the scandal of NHS services and property being sold off to the private sector; putting profit before people is not a sustainable way to run our NHS.

“The land at Bootham was gifted to the people of York for the greater public good. I am meeting with the Health Minister this week, and have invited representatives from York Teaching Hospital Trust, City of York Council and NHS England to join me in making the case that Bootham should continue as a health campus to meet modern day needs for York. There is such a lot to gain for the city in keeping this public land in public hands and used for the enhancing the health and wellbeing of all.”