Local Lib Dems fight for fairer health services - Stunell

12.00.00am GMT Tue 9th Dec 2003

Stockport's two Liberal Democrat MPs Patsy Calton and Andrew Stunell took the fight for better mental health facilities for children in Stockport down to Whitehall this week. The MP's met Health minister Steven Ladyman yesterday, to tell him of the need to boost Stockport mental health service.

Patsy Calton said, "The minister listened very sympathetically to the case we put forward for urgent action and has promised to work with the local health service management to get improvements."

The towns two Liberal Democrat MPs embarked on joint action after becoming increasingly alarmed by the number of children and parents left unsupported due to a shortage of consultants.

Mr Stunell said, "I very much hope there'll be a drastic improvement next April when the children's service 'could be taken over by the Pennine trust. I'll be working hard with the council and the NHS to get improvements in place as quickly as possible."

Patsy Calton added, "We want the best healthcare solution for Stockport. The new measures must be based on local needs and take account of all vulnerable groups." ENDS