Burnley General Hospital – An Honest View

During this election campaign a number of people have asked me for my views on the changes at Burnley General Hospital, in relation to the A&E and most recently regarding the proposed closure of the Children’s Ward. I have been, and am, very reluctant to allow the health of the people of Burnley and Padiham to be used as a political football. However, personally I have nothing to hide and am happy to put on record my thoughts on this subject, because people do have the right to know where I stand on this very important issue.

It is a fact that the Labour Party created the National Health Service, has saved it on more than one occasion, and will always seek to improve it for the benefit of all. During this Government record levels of funds have been invested, but in my opinion our local providers, namely the PCT and the Hospital Trust have not delivered acceptable levels of care and the distress caused to so many people is absolutely disgraceful and totally unacceptable. I have also very real concerns on behalf of dedicated Health service staff, who have found themselves subject to unnecessary and unwelcome pressure.

I am a supporter of the NHS and do not use private health care. For this reason as a resident of Burnley I need to know that, should I myself, a member of my family, or a friend become ill that the best possible treatment will be readily available here in Burnley. I wish it to be clear to all that my concerns are not just those of a candidate for MP; because I live in Burnley with my family, and regardless of the outcome of this election I will continue to do so. Many years ago my son was, on more than one occasion, a patient in the Children’s ward at Burnley General. So I really do understand what it means to Burnley people. Whilst I never make promises that I cannot be 100% sure of keeping, I can guarantee that I will leave no stone unturned to keep the Children’s ward in Burnley and to return excellent A&E facilities to Burnley. I want to assure you that I will fight longer and harder than anyone for our hospital and if anyone can make the changes we all want to see, I can.

Julie Cooper – Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate