Primary Care face funding shortfall for essential services - Stunell

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th Jun 2003

Local MP, Andrew Stunell challenged the Health Secretary, Alan Milburn in Parliament this week to plug the £6 million hole in Stockport Primary Care Trust's budget.

Andrew Stunell said:

"The Government's talk of NHS cash increases offers cold comfort to people in Stockport when our GPs are facing a £600,000 reduction in their prescribing budget. Stockport Primary Care Trust is between a rock and a hard place and thousands in Stockport are going to suffer as a result."

Andrew Stunell is pressing the Health Secretary to give Stockport PCT the resources necessary to restore essential services to the community. Services such as the Stroke Association Support Group which helps stroke victims get back their independence, are facing cuts that could halve their services.

Mr Stunell said: "Sick and vulnerable people badly need the services that are being cut. The Stroke Association are providing a vital support network to stroke sufferers. Other cuts planned include reductions in MR scans, repairs to clinics and minor surgery cases."

"I want an assurance from the Alan Milburn that Stockport PCT will be given the level of funding it needs to restore services to people in Stockport."

ENDS