Lib-Dem Shadow Health Secretary Praises Warwick Hospital Turnaround.
July 11, 2007 12:00 AM
Norman Lamb MP with Alan Beddow, local Lib-Dem Parliamentary Candidate at Warwick Hospital.
Norman Lamb MP, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary praised progress made by the hospital following a visit to Warwick yesterday.
Norman Lamb and Alan Beddow, the Lib-Dem parliamentary candidate for Warwick & Leamington, met Chief Executive, Glen Burley and Trust Chairman Graham Murrell to discuss recent challenges the hospital has faced.
Norman Lamb said, "The hospital has had a difficult year managing its debt and coping with constant government reorganisations. It must be commended for turning around the financial situation. This has required some tough decisions and it has been a difficult time for its staff. However the future now looks more secure and I was told about some exciting new plans that will deliver quality services to patients from this Hospital."
Warwick Hospital plans to develop an ambulatory cancer unit at on the Lakin Road site, which will make treatments more convenient for patients in the area. The new centre is set to become the first in the country to receive the Macmillan Charter Mark for Cancer care. The hospital also plans to provide a new paediatrics unit on the site.
Alan Beddow said, "People in Warwick and Leamington were alarmed when their hospital announced it was £13.8M in the red last year and this has inevitably led to cuts. The new University College Hospital in Coventry fuelled fears across the area that Warwick Hospital would close altogether. Though the Hospital still faces significant challenges, plans are in place that will secure the future of the hospital at its site in Warwick."
Norman Lamb's visit to Warwick Hospital launches the Lib-Dem's health campaign across the area that will continue to monitor residents concerns about services.
Alan Beddow explained, "Local health care is still in a period of change and we will be talking to people across Warwick & Leamington to understand their concerns. Through representatives we have on various bodies we will ensure the views of local people are considered".
The hot issue at the moment is that many doctors' surgeries are no longer taking blood samples and some patients now have to travel to the hospital for this service.
Norman Lamb MP & Alan Beddow talking to staff at Warwick Hospital.
Alan Beddow criticised this change, " I am looking into this issue to see if this decision can be changed. It simply does not make sense for people to have to travel to the hospital to provide a blood sample that could be provided at their local surgery."
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