“Mr Hunt – we would like our money back” – Karin Smyth MP slams NHS property scandal in Parliamentary debate
Bristol South MP Karin Smyth today (Wednesday, July 4th) slammed the ongoing scandal surrounding NHS property management – and the Government’s refusal to take action to fix the problem.
At the Westminster Hall debate, Karin Smyth explained why she had called for the debate – and outlined the terrible impact the disastrous Tory health reforms are having on patients, communities and local NHS services.
After today’s debate, Karin Smyth MP said:
“I wanted to raise these critical failings in NHS property management, and the total absence of local accountability, because they are causing real damage here in Bristol South – and in communities across England.
“This is about more than managing buildings – it is about the relationship people have with them. They are the places people go to when they need care, where they welcome their children into the world, and the places where they say a final goodbye to those they love. These are places hardwired into our emotional DNA, and the fabric of the communities in which they sit.
“The problems started with the Government’s botched NHS reorganisation, and have grown worse ever since. Put simply, poor planning and costly bureaucracy are endangering local services like the Knowle West Health Centre and stunting the growth of South Bristol Community Hospital.
“The lack of leadership and accountability is also draining millions of pounds from the local health economy, while making it impossible for local people and service deliverers to get problems fixed or questions answered.”
While Health Minister Stephen Barclay MP offered some reassurance on Knowle West Health Centre today, there was little by way of concrete action promised to resolve the root causes. He did, however, agree to meet with Karin Smyth to discuss the problems in greater detail.
Karin Smyth MP added:
“My message to the Secretary of State today was crystal clear – we want the money back in our local NHS, and local people to be given their voices back when it comes to NHS services.
“While his colleague didn’t deliver either of these in his response to my appeals today, I will take him up on the offer of a meeting to look at these problems in greater detail.
“But the Government should be under no illusions – I will not stop campaigning until this scandal is resolved.”