Health Review a "step forward" say Cornish MPs

12.00.00am GMT Tue 30th Jan 2007

Cornwall's Liberal Democrat MPs have welcomed the publication of the Strategic Review of Health Provision for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as a "step forward" for the NHS in the county. The report, which recognises many of the concerns raised by MPs and the Cornish public over recent months, commits the Primary Care Trust to tackling health inequalities in the County and also proposes to put a new focus on providing healthcare closer to home.

Whilst the MPs have reacted positively to the review, they have called upon the Government to ensure that Cornwall's NHS receives a fairer funding deal so that the action points can be fully implemented without service cuts elsewhere.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy, MP for Falmouth and Camborne said:

"There is much welcome news about the reinstatement of many services which had previously been either cut back or were under threat. For example, it is great news to see that St Michael's hospital in Hayle will not only see its breast cancer surgery returned, but will also be extending the services that they have to offer. I also welcome the news that the family history breast cancer screening service will be reinstated and access to sexual health services will be improved. These were both areas where funding concerns had resulted in cutbacks.

"The key obstacle to delivering these priorities in the past has been due to funding. The same argument has been used to justify cuts that we have seen in recent months. What the report does not make clear is why the new Trust believes they can reinstate and extend many services and recover their deficit without impacting on any other services or requiring additional funding. This will be the ultimate test for these proposals. I hope that the Government will fully support this Strategic Review and ensure that Cornwall's NHS receives the funding it deserves."

Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall added:

"I welcome the emphasis on providing healthcare closer to home. This should hopefully mean we are moving towards the end of people having to travel across the county for relatively minor procedures.

"Proposals to develop services in community hospitals must lie at the centre of forward planning, and this can only be achieved with a fair funding deal from the Government."

Matthew Taylor MP for Truro and St Austell said:

"I particularly welcome plans for new maternity and other facilities at Treliske, but why were the same plans cancelled only a few months ago? Unless the Government agree a fairer funding formula for Cornwall's NHS, what services have to be cut to deliver the improvements?"