Local NHS in Cash Crisis: Stockport health services struggle with £20 million shortfall

5.34.48pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 7th Apr 2006

Today, local MP, Andrew Stunell has attacked the Government for chronically underfunding Stockport's NHS services. Stockport health services are now facing a budget shortfall of more than £20 million for the next year.

Commenting on the cash crisis, Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"The Government's endless stream of rushed reforms has destabilised the health service and made it impossible for trusts to plan ahead. Now they have clawed back £12 million from Stockport Primary Care Trust, only telling the trust one month in advance.

"This brings the shortfall for all of Stockport's health services to a staggering £20 million. I very much hope that all of Stockport's health providers will work together to protect the people of Stockport from the damages this could cause.

"I am extremely worried that doctors, nurses and services will have to be axed and people in Stockport will see longer waiting lists and poorer services.

"I am demanding that the Government stumps up the cash needed to keep Stockport's NHS services healthy."

The criticisms coincide with news that the national NHS overspend for 2005-6 is £800 million - one of the biggest overspends in history. ENDS

Notes to Editors: Stockport Primary Care Trust faces a budget shortfall of £12 million for 2006/7, Stockport Foundation Trust faces a shortfall of £7 million, and Stockport Social Services face a shortfall of £3.5 million.