Government to blame for hospital cuts - Liz Lynne

6.27.01pm GMT Fri 17th Mar 2006

The Government must take responsibility for the 750 forced job losses at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Liz Lynne, Lib Dem MEP for the West Midlands, said today.

The hospital trust has had to cut the equivalent of 1,000 posts from its 7,000-strong staff to try to reduce debts of £17 million. But Liz Lynne said the government is ultimately responsible for the job cuts, which have been prompted by a cash crisis in parts of the NHS.

The total shortfall for the NHS in England this year is expected to be more than double last year's at £620 million.

Liz Lynne, will be working with local councillors to fight the cuts and minimise their impact on patients, said:

"Stoke-on-Trent used to be known as the 'sick city', but in recent years local healthcare professionals have made real progress. Unfortunately these cuts are going to undo a lot of their good work."

"The Government must carry the can for these job losses, which are the result of the Government's permanent revolution in the NHS. Five years ago, we were told extra investment would improve the NHS. But hiring staff one year and sacking them the next is no way to build a sustainable healthcare system."

Councillor Christina Jebb, Lib Dem group leader on Staffordshire County Council and formerly a member of the North Staffordshire Health Authority, said:

"This news is dreadful, not only for those who will lose their jobs but for the patients."

"If nurses' and midwives' jobs are cut, what will happen to preventative care, let alone when people are actually sick? This kind of cut sets a dangerous precedent for the NHS."

ENDS