On April 17, a peculiar banner appeared overnight at Cheadle Hospital. COGNEWS reported that the banner, bore the slogan "Save Cheadle Hospital - don't take our hospital beds," when in fact the facility is fully operational and heavily used.

The banner contained no obvious call to action or organisation details, and a representative from Cheadle Hospital informed us that they had removed the sign from the ground, where it had mysteriously appeared overnight without any explanation. 

It seems that the culprits have been found. Today, May 1st, is election day for Staffordshire County Councillors. The picture below was kindly sent in by a reader who spotted it on social media earlier today. All three people pictured are standing for election to the Staffordshire County Council. They are also long-standing Staffordshire Moorlands District Councillors. The image appeared just in time to give a boost to marginal voters or are they clueless about the work happening within their district at this important facility?

Their actions caused frustration and uncertainty for the hospital staff and management. It also created ongoing concern for patients and their families attending one of the facility's many services, as the image weaves its way through social media. If you'd like to find out more about the diverse and vital work of Cheadle Hospital, do take a look at our recent post."The Enigma of Cheadle Hospital Revealed"

We've asked the councillors involved to comment on their actions in the interest of fairness and accuracy of public information. Perhaps they have a good reason? We'll let you know!

3 District Councillors in Hospital Banner Controversy - created 1.5.25