Short Term NHS cuts Causing Long Term Harm

12.38.01pm GMT Wed 13th Dec 2006

Commenting on the Health Select Committee's first report into NHS deficits, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley MP said: "The Government cannot continue to bury its head in the sand over the NHS. "This report confirms that so called 'soft targets' such as staff training and mental health services are being cut in a desperate attempt to clear deficits. This is a false economy as the damaging effects on patient care and staff morale will be felt for years to come.

"Measures announced this week have already gone against the report's advice that trusts should not be penalised without changes to the already punishing accounting regime.

"The NHS needs to urgently reform its accounting methods and provide a long term strategic vision for health services, as opposed to short term sticking plaster measures.

"Patricia Hewitt must be true to her word and take full responsibility and resign if the NHS is not back in the black this time next year."