Burnley’s Member of Parliament, Antony Higginbotham, has spoken out about the closure of Burnley's A&E, raising the issue in Parliament with the Health Secretary, Steve Barclay.
In Health Questions, Mr. Higginbotham spoke about ambulance wait times and highlighted the closure of Burnley's Accident and Emergency Department by the Labour Government in 2007. A decision which he says is brought to him time and again by residents. He also asked whether it would ever be possible to bring back Burnley's A&E, a topic he has been advocating for since he was elected.
In a question to the Health Secretary Steve Barclay, Antony Higginbotham MP said:
The Secretary of State will be aware that, in 2007, the last Labour Government closed the accident and emergency at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.
When I speak to my constituents about ambulance wait times, the one thing that they always return to is bringing back the A&E at Burnley, which the Labour Government took away.
I have raised this issue with Health Ministers since the day I was elected, so will he set out whether it will ever be possible to bring back the A&E that Labour closed? Will he meet me to discuss it?
Responding the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Steve Barclay MP said:
My honourable Friend is right to highlight the consequences of closures such as that, whether it is PFI or other issues that are still felt in communities such as Burnley.
He will also know that it is for the integrated care board to look at commissioning decisions and I know that he will make his case powerfully to that board.
The question follows a borough wide survey which Antony is currently running to hear the views of residents regarding local NHS provision.
Speaking after Health Questions, Antony said:
The closure of Burnley's A&E has been a pressing issue for many in Burnley and Padiham for a long time. It's something I've been raising since I was first elected. Because it’s crucial that we work together to find a solution that addresses the impact on ambulance wait times and the local provision of NHS services.
I got into politics to be Burnley and Padiham's voice in Westminster, so I'll never stop taking the views and concerns of residents to the very top of Government. And whilst I can't promise that the A&E will return, I can promise to work night and day to ensure Burnley Hospital is invested in, so it is at the heart of our local healthcare for both elective and urgent treatment.
