Minister confused about where Warrington is in health debate (From Warrington Guardian)

Minister confused about where Warrington is in health debate

8:02am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News

Minister confused about where Warrington is in health debate

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has hit out after a Government health minister confused Warrington, Halton and St Helens in a House of Commons debate.

She asked new junior health minister David Poulter for assurances that Warrington would not lose services if a merger with Whiston went ahead.

But Mr Poulter told MPs the Halton trust was looking to achieve foundation status and that Warrington would therefore be safe.

In fact, Warrington and Halton are part of the same trust and it is St Helens looking to become a foundation trust.

Helen Jones, Warrington North MP, said: “I am very concerned that the minister did not even seem to understand which trust he was dealing with.

“I have repeatedly asked for assurances that services at Warrington Hospital would not be downgraded or reduced.

“His answers gives me no such assurances not least because he doesn’t even understand which trust he is dealing with.

“As I said he has probably not been north of Watford but you would like to expect a minister to understand an area he covers.”