The Rt Hon David Cameron MP, leader of the opposition, visited West Suffolk Hospital on 9 November 2006 at the invitation of Bury St Edmunds MP, David Ruffley.

David Ruffley has been campaigning to save the Accident and Emergency department at West Suffolk Hospital and last month over 1,500 people signed his Health Action Day petition to ensure the vital service is retained in Bury St Edmunds.

David Ruffley said:

"We want to keep our A&E, not have to travel 25 miles to Cambridge or Ipswich.

"It is very exciting to have a frontline politician come to hear the concerns of staff.

"I think it is an important day for the NHS in Bury. This is a pre-emptive strike to highlight what a great A&E we have.

"Today gave frontline hardworking professionals the chance to put what they want to say across. We're in listening mode, not preaching mode."