Minister: ‘Closing down A&E is the right thing to do!’

Rochdale Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Paul Rowen has expressed his shock and anger at a statement from a Labour minister claiming that the closure of maternity and Accident and Emergency units in Greater Manchester is the right thing to do.

The comments came from Health Secretary Andy Burnham, who last week said he had personally backed closing maternity and children's services in Greater Manchester "because we believe it's right". He then went on to criticise opposition MPs and campaigners who are fighting the impending closures.

"This is absolutely shocking," commented Mr Rowen. I make no apologies for fighting to retain hospital services in Rochdale and will not be bullied by out of touch Labour politicians. This is further proof, if it were needed, how after 13 years Labour has lost the trust of the people.”

Mr Rowen added: "The NHS is a national treasure and it needs to be preserved and improved.

"The closure of Rochdale's A&E will clearly cause added pressure to hospital used by people in our borough and I'm really concerned about how our health services will cope with all of the extra patients.