A Leigh MP launched a scathing attack on the Health Secretary today following his decision to rush the announcement of Trafford General’s A&E unit.
Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham said he was ‘digusted’ at the lack of advanced warning given to the house about the hospital’s future.
Labour MP Kate Green, who represents the Stretford and Urmston constituency which is served by Trafford General Hospital, was already halfway back to Manchester when the notice was announced.
Despite a quick about turn around in Stoke, Ms Green could not make it back to the House of Commons in time for Mr Hunt’s statement.
Turning to the Health Secretary, Mr Burnham said: “It says a lot about you. Your advisers could find time to get texts sent to the Murdochs with market-sensitive information before an earlier statement you made.
“However you couldn’t find time to give a local MP advance notice of a statement about the closure of her accident and emergency department. Disgraceful.
“And not just any A&E – 65 years and six days after Nye Bevan opened the NHS at Trafford Hospital, we have the spectacle of you scurrying to this House to rush out an announcement without the scrutiny of MPs about a major downgrade of the hospital.
“What clearer symbol could you have of a government that disrespects and disregards the views NHS staff, patients and local people?”
Mr Burnham added that he had serious reservations about the review of Trafford General Hospital, which he viewed as having been picked off for closure.
Throughout his statement which was audibly supported in the house, he questioned whether the government has a coherent plan for service.
The Labour MP concluded: “We on this side of the House will support changes where they are justified but where communities are picked off unfairly by this arrogant government, we will stand with them and fight for fairness.”
Stretford and Urmston Kate Green arrived in the commons as Mr Burnham finished his attack on the Health Secretary.
Ms Green said: “This has been one of the most contentious topics since my election however by the time I heard about this statement I was already half way to Manchester.”
There has been widespread disapproval of the plans in the Trafford area and Mr Burnham was not alone in criticising the behaviour of the Health Secretary with MPs, including Jack Straw, also voiced their concerns about the lack of notice.
Mr Hunt insisted that he had followed the correct procedure when announcing his statement.
He said: “The decision to close Trafford General’s A&E unit is supported by the Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group.
“Sometimes it is necessary to make tough decisions for the benefit of the people in the area.
“I have listened to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel and local doctors and decided to take their advice.”
Plans for the closure of the Trafford General A&E unit will see it completely shut between midnight and 8am.
During other hours it will become an urgent care unit before eventually being downgraded to a minor injuries unit.
Picture courtesy of Labour, with thanks.
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