Dr Brian Iddon MP quizzes new Health secretary on Local NHS Funding

Dr Iddon, MP for Bolton South East took the opportunity of a statement made by the new Health Secretary, the Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, in the House yesterday to raise the issue of local NHS funding for Bolton Primary Care Trust.

Dr Iddon said,

“A recent report has shown that the health of my constituents is still well below the average of those living elsewhere. So whilst I wanted to welcome the new Health Secretary to his post I was also keen to take the opportunity of raising health inequalities with him so he is aware of the importance of this issue to the people in Bolton South East and to put pressure on him to ensure that the funding remains available so improvement can be made”

In response to Dr Iddon’s question, the new Health Secretary agreed that tackling health inequalities remained a priority but that it was most important that local areas were able to devise local solutions to their individual problems.

1. Reference for Question in the Official Record, 2007, 4 July Col. 970, this can also be viewed by clicking on this link http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070704/debtext/70704-0005.htm#07070441001065