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31Aug07

CLOSURE OF TRAFFORD GENERAL MATERNITY AND PAEDIATRIC UNIT

Commenting on the Government’s announcement of proposed closure of Trafford General’s maternity and paediatric units, Stretford and Urmston’s Conservative spokesman, Mark Versallion, said “This is a major blow for the area. This along with the Congestion Charge is having a major impact on the otherwise improving quality of life and positive perception of the Trafford area.”

Councillor Versallion said “Reducing Trafford General’s services is not acceptable and will result in unnecessary medical risk. As a parent of young children I am acutely aware of the need for the best and most immediate attention possible. Trafford’s maternity and paediatric unit should be enhanced by the Government not shut down by Labour on purely arbitrary grounds. Where is all the NHS money going?”

“There has been a complete lack of defence of Trafford General by Bev Hughes, the Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston. She is in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet and is the Children’s Minister. Perhaps this is why she has been quiet on this issue.” said the Parliamentary Candidate.

“People simply do not understand why A&E units and maternity units are being shut down when accident and emergency admissions are up and births are up.” Mark Versallion added, “I am not playing at politics here. Other Labour MPs have been defending these hospital closures and that’s what a constituency MP should do.

"I believe passionately that an MP should be defending the interests of the residents he or she is elected to represent.” That is not happening from our Labour MP. However I have received a number of letters, emails and phone calls supporting my campaign to prevent this closure and I will continue the fight until the Government is forced to reverse this plan.”