Politically motivated NHS cutbacks?
Right on top of my last post comes this story:
Labour may be trying to target hospital cutbacks in areas where rival parties have seats, the Conservatives claim.
The Tories say they have leaked emails detailing meetings between ministers and Labour party officials.
Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said there also seemed to be a deliberate attempt to cut fewer services in Labour constituencies.
Downing Street denied changes were politically motivated, insisting they were what was best for local people.
Tony Blair’s official spokesman said: “The restructuring is based on an analysis of what services are needed at a local level.”
The claims follow news an Accident and Emergency unit in a key marginal constituency is to be axed in favour of an “urgent care centre” dealing with less serious casualties.
The provisional decision to scrap Rochdale Infirmary’s A&E unit was taken by a joint committee of Primary Care Trusts in the area.
Rochdale Labour Party has been hoping to oust Liberal Democrat MP Paul Rowen at the next election. He snatched the seat from Labour in 2005 with a majority of only 442 votes.
Well well well. Playing political games with healthcare is about as low as you can get. I would love to see these leaked emails.
Can I also point out that only New Labour could spin NHS cuts to be “what was best for the local people”
Unbelievable.
