CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Teignmouth Hospital have been suffered a setback.

The have expressed disappointment at learning they have missed the deadline to lodge an appeal for a judicial review.

Spokesman Geralyn Arthurs said: ‘The chance of a judicial review by the public to overturn the proposed closure of Teignmouth Hospital has gone. This challenge should have been mounted against the CCG within three months after December 17 when it decided the first purpose-built hospital for the NHS was surplus to its requirements for local people’s health and wellbeing.

‘Campaigners consider this is because this community hospital is sandwiched between two PFI hospitals which the local health trust claims have been underused.’

The hospital campaigners are now hoping that the DCC Scrutiny Committee will refer this case back to the Secretary of State for the Independent Reconfiguration Panel to re-examine the evidence with regards to residents’ medical needs.

The IRP has stated that it is willing to do this if the Secretary of State asks for further information.