Burstow encouraged by St Helier meeting

6.24.00pm GMT Tue 13th Jan 2009

Local MP for Sutton and Cheam, Paul Burstow, has described his meeting with Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, to discuss future investment at St Helier as 'encouraging'.

The MP led a delegation of Members of Parliament to lobby for the go ahead for a new patient block at St Helier amid concern that the plans could be delayed by red tape.

Commenting on the meeting Paul Burstow said,

"It was a positive meeting. I made it clear just how frustrated my constituents are about the ten years it has taken to draw up workable plans.

"We urged Alan Johnson to make sure that the plans did not get stuck with NHS officials in London. He undertook to chase up the proposals and find out if there was anything holding them up in NHS London."

Tom Brake MP, who also took part in the lobby said,

"We left Alan Johnson in no doubt that we expect a swift turnaround of the Better Healthcare Closer to Home plans by NHS London, followed by an equally expeditious review by the Department of Health.

"Local residents will not tolerate any more dithering or delaying - we need action now."