Breathtaking response to health survey

4.19.06pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 8th Oct 2007

A major survey of health services in Stockport launched earlier this month by local MPs, Andrew Stunell and Mark Hunter has received an overwhelming response. More than two hundred completed surveys have been returned to the MPs with comments on Stepping Hill hospital, services available at local doctor and dentist surgeries, and problems experienced with the new IT appointment booking system 'Choose and Book'.

Commenting on the response to the survey, Mr Stunell said:

"The scale of response to this survey highlights the importance of local health services to people in Stockport. The doctors, nurses and thousands of other health professionals and staff do a fantastic job. But, there is widespread concern about the pressures our NHS faces today and the impact this has on frontline services.

"We are working together to make sure local people have the best quality health services when you and your family need them most. This means making sure the money gets to the front line and isn't wasted."

Mr Hunter added:

"This is a crucial time for our local NHS. Several hospitals in Greater Manchester are facing savage cuts and it is not that long ago that maternity services at Stepping Hill were under threat.

"We launched this comprehensive health survey to find out more about local residents' experiences and views of our local health service. The results have been astounding. The NHS is major concern in our local community and residents are jumping at the chance to share their experiences."

Local Liberal Democrats are delivering the survey by hand to thousands of homes across their constituencies this month, and it is also available online at www.andrewstunell.org.uk or www.markhunter.org.uk.

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