Teather Highlights Threat to Brent Healthcare in Commons
December 1, 2006 3:46 PM
Sarah Teather alongside Liberal Democrat campaigners fighting to save our local NHS
Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather, has used a debate in the House of Commons to highlight the threat to healthcare in Brent.
Reports suggest that the Brent tPCT needs to make cuts of up to £31million over the next two years, with a range of cost cutting measures proposed for the borough.
Responding to Patricia Hewitt, the Health Secretary, Brent MP Sarah Teather voiced local concerns that the brand new Willesden Community Hospital, opened just six months ago, could be downgraded. The local MP also condemned the Government for shunting their debts onto local councils by renegotiating budgets for health and social care. Brent Council estimates this practice could cost it around £9 million putting pressure on Council taxpayers to foot the bill.
Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:
"These budget cuts will have a profound and crippling effect on patient care in Brent. Willesden Community Hospital was opened just six months ago, but its future is already at risk.. It seems Labour can find plenty of money for a war with Iraq but can't find the money for local NHS services.
"As PCTs pass their dept onto local councils it is clear that health and social care in our community is also bound to suffer. I find it completely unacceptable that Brent patients are being asked to pay the price for this Government's financial incompetence in the NHS.
"The strength of local feeling on this issue is clear and I was pleased to speak up for my constituents and local NHS staff in the House of Commons. I will continue to press Ministers to intervene so we can avert this healthcare crisis in Brent. The Labour party must listen to local people and guarantee that vital services in Brent will be protected."
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