GOVERNMENT TO BLAME FOR FURTHER HOSPITAL CUTS - LIZ LYNNE

12.00.00am GMT Tue 21st Mar 2006

"The Government must take responsibility" - Liz Lynne MEP

The Government must take responsibility for almost 300 job losses at two Shropshire hospitals, Liz Lynne, West Midlands Liberal Democrats MEP, said today.

The Shropshire and Telford NHS Trust has had to cut the jobs at two hospitals to try to reduce debts of £30 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.

Last week it was announced that 1,000 jobs are to go at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Liz Lynne, who will be working with local councillors to fight the cuts and minimise their impact on patients, said "The Government must carry the can for these job losses, which are the result of permanent revolution in the NHS."

"Hiring staff one year and sacking them the next is no way to build a sustainable healthcare system. This is bad news not only for those who will lose their jobs, but for their patients."

"The health service needs sustainable investment and local accountability, not inept micromanagement from mandarins in Whitehall."

ENDS

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 003222845521(Brussels) or 077644 52725 (mobile) or the Press Officer Steve Nowottny in Stratford-Upon-Avon on 01789 262785.