Lib Dems launch biggest ever consultation on Health in Northampton

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Aug 2007

"The Liberal Democrats want to see good quality local health services here in Northampton and across the country," said Andrew Simpson.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North, Cllr Andrew Simpson, is stepping up the Lib Dem campaign against cuts in the local health service by distributing a Health Survey to more than 65,000 local residents.

Health service cuts really hit Northamptonshire last year and the new Primary Care Trust was still facing a deficit of £8 million at the start of this financial year.

Previous deficits saw significant cuts to mental health and learning disability services and the suspension of IVF and nicotine replacement treatments. Recruitment was also put on hold while attempts were made to balance the books.

"Under the Labour Government we have seen a 'boom and bust' situation where constant re-organisation has caused massive deficits which affected services. Now I want to give local people a chance to have their say on local health services in what I believe will be the biggest consultation on health that has ever been organised in Northampton," said Andrew Simpson.

Once the results have been compiled Andrew will be reporting back on the findings to local residents as well as raising issues highlighted with local NHS managers.

"The Liberal Democrats want to see good quality local health services here in Northampton and across the country," said Andrew Simpson. We believe in giving local people a real say over their health services and this is one way we can put that belief into practice.

An online version of the survey is also available - see below link

Related Link:

Northampton NHS Inquiry.