York NHS bed cuts top agenda at Lib Dem conference

5.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th Sep 2006

Conference, Brighton 2006

Cllr Madeleine Kirk today questioned senior Lib Dem figures about the likely impact of up to 60 possible bed closures at York District Hospital. The Selby and York PCT's proposals were the first topic discussed in a question and answer session with a panel of senior Lib Dems including Steve Webb MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health.

Speaking to a packed conference hall, Madeleine asked about the effect of similar bed closures in other parts of the country.

Baroness Neuberger (Lib Dem Health Spokesperson to the House of Lords) explained that bed closures are likely to hit elderly people hardest. She said "Cuts will have a disproportionate impact on older people, who do not have a strong voice."

Steve Webb MP outlined how little of the money invested by the government was reaching front line services. He expressed his concern at health service cuts, and explained that the financial crisis in the NHS was created in Whitehall. He said "This is a crisis reaction and these are crisis cuts."

After the session, Madeleine said "What I have heard today confirms that we must campaign hard against these cuts. Financial decisions made by the government hundreds of miles away are going to really hurt local people here in York. I am particularly worried about the effect these closures will have on care for older residents.

"It is not acceptable for the government to duck responsibility by blaming the local PCT. Patricia Hewitt, Labour Health Secretary, is in charge of the NHS and has the power to delay debt repayments to stop these bed closures. She should act immediately to save York's healthcare."

Notes to Editors:

The full text of the question asked by Madeleine was:

"Some 60 bed closures are proposed at York District Hospital. What impact are bed closures, forced by NHS deficits, having on communities around the country?"

The Q&A session on Health was held in the main conference auditorium at 3pm on Tuesday 19th September.