David Cameron’s recent announcement that the NHS will become a “seven days a week” service would have provoked incredulous laughter from nurses and other NHS workers – not because they don’t agree with this aspiration, any reasonable person would.
The laughter is because this would need extra investment and resources at a time when NHS finances are under stress like never before.
Every NHS Trust in England has been forced to cut up to 6% each year from their funds since the Tory/Lib Dem Coalition came to power.
The NHS budget is not being protected. We now hear that mental health has been hit even harder with funding down by 8% since 2010 despite rising demand.
We also hear that Foundation Trusts in England are reporting deficits totalling a massive £321million.
So before the Tories make empty and totally unrealistic promises for the NHS let’s be open and honest about what is needed financially.
Peter Atkinson Labour candidate, North Portslade Wolseley Road, Portslade
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