We Must Fight Local NHS Cuts - Teather

5.55.39pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 22nd Jan 2007

Sarah Teather is fighting to save local NHS services

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather, has tabled a parliamentary motion condemning the cuts to NHS services in Brent.

The tPCT has to make savings of an estimated £53million over the coming year. Much of this will be forced onto Brent Council and will therefore impact on the health and social care work that is vital for the borough's most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

Sarah has pledged to stand up for local people in opposing the tPCT's cuts, and is calling for all members of the community to work together to protect Brent healthcare. But Brent's Labour MPs have decided to back the tPCT, putting their loyalty to Tony Blair's Government ahead of Brent patients and NHS staff.

Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"These cuts will be a disaster for everyone who values our NHS in Brent, and will particularly impact on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

"I raised this matter in parliament after my postbag was overrun with letters from local NHS staff and patients. People have genuine concerns about how the cuts will impact on their lives. It is high time that funds were allocated according to clinical priority, not political priority.

"I cannot accept that the Brent taxpayer should be asked to pay for this Government's financial incompetence. The Government must take urgent steps to safeguard our local NHS."

Sarah Teather will also meet with local NHS staff this week to discuss the devastating impact the tPCT's cuts will have on the ground. She added:

"I am looking forward to meeting with local NHS staff on Wednesday to discuss how we can take this fight to the Government. Public meetings such as this are important because they bring people together to plan action. I hope that all members of the community will join with me to fight for essential services in Brent."

Notes:

Sarah Teather will speak at Brent TUC's public meeting on the tPCT cuts on Wednesday 14th January, at 7:30pm in Willesden Green Library.

Related Link:

Read Sarah's commons motion in full.