Teather votes against Government plans for two-tier NHS

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 20th Nov 2003

Sarah Teather MP outside Willesden Community Hospital

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Sarah Teather voted on Wednesday night against Government plans for foundation hospitals. The Brent East MP fears that the Government plans will create a two-tier National Health Service.

Sarah Teather MP said:

"Foundation hospitals will inevitably lead to a two-tier National Health Service with the Government giving extra money to some health services at the expense of others.

"What the health service really needs is less bureaucracy, not more. The Government's proposals for foundation hospitals will actually increase bureaucracy. Local people want to see more doctors and nurses not more managers in the NHS."

The local Liberal Democrat MP also warned against the administration costs of foundation hospitals.

Sarah Teather MP added:

"Foundation hospitals could cost over half a billion pounds in administration costs alone, that's enough to pay for 14,500 nurses or three new hospitals."