Dr Brian Iddon MP Calls for End to Health Inequality in Westminster Hall Debate

Bolton South East MP, Dr Brian Iddon has today called for an end to the health inequality that still exists for people living in Bolton.

In a debate in Westminster Hall this morning Dr Iddon said,

“The complex funding structure for the NHS has meant that for years before 1997 the Wigan and Bolton Health Authority was chronically under funded. Under a Labour Government the situation has improved but I still feel the Pace of Change Policy is at too slow a rate.

Health inequality continues to be a reality in Bolton. In some wards in the town, life expectancy stands at 67 years. This is in contrast to the national average of just under 80. I want to see the differentials for funding within the health service change to ensure that, instead of an £8 million shortfall, Bolton PCT gets the funding it needs to tackle the complex health problems that exist in our town.”

1. Dr Brian Iddon MP spoke in a Westminster Hall Debate entitled “The Impact of Health Funding on Health Targets” on 9^th October 2007.

2. Bolton PCT has now been designated by the Government as a Spearhead PCT, which means that it has been singled out to bring its expenditure up to the national average.

3. For further information about this press release, please contact Brian Iddon's Westminster Office on 0207 2192096