HEALTH Minister John Horam yesterday gave the government's backing to Clitheroe Cottage Hospital.
He visited it and met local NHS Trust Chairman Sheila Maw to demonstrate the government's new-found support for small hospitals.
He was there at the invitation of Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans.
Mr Evans said: "Mr Horam was clearly demonstrating the government's support for Cottage hospitals.
"Everyone should have the right to go to the hospital of their choice. People want to live in rural areas and they should have a hospital on their doorstep.
"People in the Ribble Valley pay their taxes like everyone else and should not be forced to travel miles for hospital treatment.
"Cottage hospitals are very important to rural communities and the people of Clitheroe are very proud of theirs."
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