James Cunningham

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COVENTRY MPs WIN REVIEW OF BLOOD CLINIC DECISION

Coventry MPs today welcomed a decision by health bosses to look again at the decision to close community blood clinics in the city.
Jim Cunningham, Geoffrey Robinson and Bob Ainsworth met with management at Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust following concern people could no longer have blood tests at clinics in their local community.

Under the changes, people requiring tests now have to travel to University Hospital, Walsgrave, and Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital, a journey of many miles for some concerned patients.

The MPs also won assurances from Mike Attwood, joint chief executive of Coventry Teaching PCT, that the closure of post natal support would be reconsidered and help may also be offered to continue running the GP-run Lift project.

Speaking on behalf of the MPs, Jim Cunningham said today: “Myself, Geoffrey and Bob enjoyed a positive meeting with the Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust and we talked about many of the issues that have caused people recent concern.

“Following our meeting, I’m delighted that the PCT has now agreed to reconsider the closure of the community blood clinics and the post natal baby care units.

“The original decisions by the PCT come at a time when the Government is looking for more health care in local communities, not less.

“That is why during our meeting today we strongly made the case to the PCT that the community blood testing clinics and baby care units are a hugely important resource for many people and the decisions should, where possible, be reversed.

“I welcome the move by the PCT to look again at the decisions and I’m sure the news will be encouraging to the people who use these services.”

Mr Cunningham said trust management has also agreed to meet regularly with the MPs over the coming months to discuss the trust’s financial status.

“The trust has agreed to keep us fully informed on the state of its finances which is important because on something as important as health care, we need to have an open dialogue at all times” he said.

“The meeting was worthwhile and I’m confident we can continue working with the PCT over the coming months and years to ensure the people of Coventry get the best possible health care.”