Simon Hughes MP Marches with Local People to Save Mental Health Services

2.37.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 12th Sep 2006

Simon Hughes MP Campaigning to Keep Emergency Clinic Open

As New Labour imposed over £20 million of cuts to Southwark's Primary Care Trust (PCT), MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey, Simon Hughes, demonstrated with local health campaigners to save emergency mental health services.

Earlier the New Labour Government unveiled hundreds of millions of pounds to national health services. Much of this is due to Labour's mismanagement of the health service, caused by over spending in a few areas.

"Southwark alone faces more than £20 million pounds of government cuts. It is crucial that this does not affect our vital mental health services." Commented Simon Hughes

He continued "I am here today to support the campaign to oppose these cuts and keep our emergency clinic open. Mental health services are a vital lifeline to some of the most vulnerable in society and should not face the axe just because other NHS trusts have overspent."

On Wednesday 14th the Southwark Council will hold a debate about what action will be taken to limit the impact the cuts will have on services.

Leading the debate will be Lib Dem exec Member for Health, Cllr Denise Capstick. "These government imposed cuts could really hit Southwark hard. Our job is to work with local NHS Trusts to ensure our vital services are kept up to standard."

Cllr Capstick, herself a practicing nurse added "I know how difficult it is for health staff to work in such difficult conditions. Over £20 million of cuts are going to severely stretch our health and social services. However, we are clear that despite our health budget being greatly reduced we will not be cutting back on services vital to the long term health of the borough."

The Liberal Democrats are running a petition calling on the Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, to halt the cuts to our NHS service. To find out more, or sign an online petition, click on the link below.

Related Links:

Online Petition.

The National Picture - Lib Dems on Labour Health Cuts.

Public Health Plans in Disarray.