MPs challenge Stepping Hill funding uncertainty

Stockport MPs Tom Morrison and Lisa Smart have challenged the Government to show where capital funding for Stepping Hill Hospital is going, after receiving a letter referencing £11.5 million in funding, but no information on what it is being used for. 

The MPs wrote to the Health Minister Karin Smyth asking for information on whether this is new funding for new works, or simply paying the bill for buildings which are already in progress.

Lisa Smart MP said: “With £130 million in repairs needed, knowing whether this is tackling the backlog or not is extremely significant. 

“There is already work going on to replace the Outpatients B building that was demolished last year because it was unsafe for patients. If this is simply paying the bill for that work, it knocks nothing off the list of repairs that are required.”

The MPs also requested a date for a meeting to discuss the issues, after the Minister finally accepted their request for one, although with no commitment to when she would speak to them.

Tom Morrison MP added: “I am getting frustrated with the lack of detail that we are seeing again and again. First, we were told that there would be funding, then there wouldn’t. Then, we were told about this funding, but not what it’s for. And we are offered a meeting … but just told someone will be in touch sometime about it.

“Let’s just cut through all of this. Repairs are needed, and patients and staff are being left at the sharp end of the problems. The Government just needs to tell us when it will make funds available to get work done.”