Do whatever is necessary to restore 24 hour emergency cover at Ramsey Cottage Hospital.

That seems to be the message to politicians, health chiefs and GPs this morning from residents in the north of the Island.

Waterloo Road Methodist Church was packed last night, as members of the public voiced their concerns over the lack of out-of-hours service.

The loss of overnight facilities caused a furore three years ago when residents took to the streets in mass protest rallies.

And, judging by last night’s meeting, attended by Ramsey MHK Allan Bell, Michael MHK David Cannan, Ayre member Eddie Teare and many Ramsey commissioners, the feeling is as strong as ever.

Chairman of the League of Friends of the hospital, Leonard Singer MLC (pictured), says it’s crunch time, especially as a handful of senior health chiefs have already suggested the Department has other priorities and could even save ?4 million a year by closing the hospital (audio file attached):

Tynwald last year voted to re-instate the out-of-hours service, subject to finance, and the health service has received a ?10 million increase in its budget for the current financial year.

And Mr Cannan used the meeting to urge Treasury to make available a further ?400,000 - the figure required to restore 24 hour cover.

Meanwhile, a doctor at Ramsey Group Practice told last night’s meeting that political pressure over the past three years had kept the hospital functioning.

Dr Alex Allinson thanked the public for their efforts with the message they must continue the fight (audio file attached):

These members of the public agree it’s time to apply further pressure (audio file attached): .