MP fears town’s health services could be axed

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones says she “greatly fears” there could be plans to axe essential health services in the town.
The MP, who was recently treated at Warrington Hospital after being bitten by a dog, is demanding details of the “sustainability and transformation plan” for Warrington following the release of some NHS proposals to a national newspaper.
She said: “It is clear from a letter I have seen that the NHS in Merseyside and Cheshire are looking at specific services such as stroke, primary care and trauma yet it is proving impossible to get details of their plans.”
The MP, who says she has been pursuing the issue for some time, added:  “I have asked parliamentary questions about what is going on and how the public will be consulted but the answers say nothing.
“Last month, I was copied in on a letter from the director of commissioning operations and replied saying that it was complete goobledegook. I got an acknowledgement but no proper reply. When officials send out letters like that it is obvious that someone is up to no good.
“I greatly fear that there could be plans to close essential services in Warrington and they will be presented as a fait accompli with little chance for the public to have their say.
“The NHS is in crisis under this government.  Doctors are leaving because of their treatment by the Health Secretary, there have been cuts to nurse training and the service is being starved of funds.
“This review is happening not to improve care for patients but to deal with a huge funding gap. The government and local NHS managers need to come clean and tell us what the real plans for Warrington are.”