MP raises questions over impact of Buxton closures on Stepping Hill

MP Lisa Smart has written to Health Minister Karin Smyth following the news that closures at Buxton Hospital have seen patients redirected to Stepping Hill, putting even more pressure on the hospital.

Ophthalmology, ear, nose and throat, rheumatology, gynaecology, urology, respiratory care, surgical, diabetes and the pain clinic will be relocating to Stepping Hill. Originally scheduled to be from the end of March, the transfer has now been delayed until June.

Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove constituency, said: “The Government is well aware of the massive backlog of repairs facing the hospital – £138 million at the last count – yet rather than address that, they are heaping even more pressure on to the hospital.

“Not only does that mean more people coming through the doors at Stepping Hill, but how does that work for people miles away in Buxton who suddenly have so much further to travel to access care. I can’t seen how this works for anyone.”

The MP has asked for further meetings with the Minister to look at how funding can be delivered to deliver the standards which patients expect of a modern NHS.

Lisa continued: “I am getting fed up with this Government tinkering around the edge of this problem, while it just gets worse. We need a definitive plan to deliver essential repairs and an additional second site for Stepping Hill. Patients deserve better.”