Health White Paper fails to deliver - Gidley

5.38.26pm GMT Tue 31st Jan 2006

Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley MP

Responding to the launch of the Health and Social Care White Paper Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley MP said "This paper is a hot-potch of ideas that will please nobody.

"The Government proposes to build another 50 community hospitals but at present funding crises mean that 1 in 4 are threatened with closure. The Secretary of State has decreed that hospitals should not be closed "in response to short-term budgetary pressures" but has not proposed any further funding or support to ensure that they are able to stay open.

"The health MOT is poorly targeted and likely to benefit the 'worried well' rather than those in need. People are being offered 'MOT Lite'. The Government's consultation work on the scheme has been wasted. The best way to deliver the services patients want is to provide greater accountability for local people.

"The Government are keen to extend GP's opening hours but it is only two years since it concluded a new contract negotiation that ensures all surgeries are closed at weekends.

"In short this paper lacks joined up thinking. It is time Labour stop dithering and start delivering."