PRESS RELEASE: Byrne at Heartlands to discuss NHS Shakeup

Liam Byrne will today meet with Mark Newbold, Chief Executive of Heartlands hospital, to discuss the Government proposed NHS shakeup. The MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill is concerned that the planned shift of power from Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to local GPs will affect the care patients receive. Liam said ‘In 1997 12,968 people in the West Midlands were on NHS waiting lists for 6 months or more, last year there were just 13[1]. I don’t want to go back to the bad old days of people worrying and in pain for months.’ ‘Heartlands Hospital has an excellent reputation and I want to see it stay that way. The proposed Health Bill is three times bigger than the legislation that set up the NHS in 1948. It will mean massive changes which will put unnecessary extra pressure on the NHS. I want to make sure Heartlands gets the support it needs from me. ENDS Notes to Editors 1. ‘1997 12,968 people in the West Midlands were on NHS waiting lists for 6 months or more, last year there were just 13’ From NHS Factsheets