HEALTH WATCHDOG REPORTS FALL IN DURHAM CARE

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 15th Oct 2009

Carol Woods, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Durham, has expressed concern over the news that the quality of Durham's health care has fallen in the past year.

Carol Woods said, "It is very disappointing that this Government has sat by and watched the quality of healthcare in Durham decline. The hard-work and commitment of the hospital staff is not being matched by a Labour party which has allowed services to worsen over the last year.

"The quality of care in our hospitals is good but it should be excellent. The Labour culture of red tape, targets and spending millions on managers rather than nurses has hampered the fine work of the hospital staff. This failing approach to healthcare must end.

"The Labour party, and our MP in particular, are extremely complacent about health care in our area and that is illustrated by the fall in services reported today.

"The high level of operation cancellations is a particular concern.

"I have had many local residents contact me with worrying complaints over operations that have been cancelled. Having to go into hospital for treatment is never pleasant, so for these people to have to go through that difficult process twice or even three times is unacceptable.

"This Government has failed to ensure its huge spending on health is producing the quality of care we all deserve."

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The Care Quality Commission report can be found at http://2009ratings.cqc.org.uk/findcareservices/informationabouthealthcareservices/overallperformance/searchfororganisation.cfm?cit_id=74893&widCall1=customWidgets.content_view_1