No one party or politician has a claim on the NHS, which is celebrating its 70th birthday.

And I should like to thank all those who work in the organisation for their professionalism and dedication.

Over the decades, changes have been made, and a recent announcement that beds at Portland Hospital are to move to Westhaven has, understandably, raised concerns.

I share them, keen as I have been during my tenure as the MP, to safeguard community hospitals.

I felt that it was important that islanders should know the facts surrounding this decision and asked Ron Shields, Chief Executive of Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, to address last night’s public meeting.

I shall make no further reference to that as my column had to be submitted by midday yesterday.

But those who attended heard Mr Shields explain that the closure decision was made by Dorset Healthcare and is consistent with the recent clinical services’ review.

The problem, I am told, was not financial, but a shortage of staff nurses.

It needs 10 and currently has five.

Moving the beds and staff to Westhaven, just two miles away, and consolidating the medical expertise already there, was a logical solution.

Mr Shields reassured me that there is no plan to sell the hospital at the moment.

The promised medical hub may be located there or at another site on the island.

This is all up for discussion with interested parties.

It’s worth noting that research shows that, on average, only four of the 16 beds have been occupied by islanders over the last six months.

The other 12 were occupied by patients from Weymouth, Dorchester and further afield.

Change is coming and I hope the facts make it easier to comprehend, if not support.