BLACKPOOL Victoria Hospital will now have two scanner machines. The first one was paid for by generous Fylde residents supporting the appeal to raise funds specifically for its purchase.

The second by the NHS itself thanks to a special government grant aimed specifically for the purchase of the new scanners at many hospitals throughout the UK.

This is fantastic news not only for our local hospital but for all the Fylde Coast residents. Even Tory MP Michael Jack has been reported as expressing his pleasure at the news. I find that quite ironic, for as a member of the last Conservative government he and his colleagues supported the run down of the NHS Despite the fact the service was literally crying out for more investment to meet the needs presented by advances in medical care.

The improvement at Blackpool Victoria Hospital has been dramatic over the past few years. The new A&E department offers patients superior facilities. The new cardiac centre now being built at a cost of £45million will enable more patients to be treated and a 20 bed intensive care unit. This is good news for all Fylde residents, not just patients, for ill health has a habit of touching every family sooner or later.

Jack Croysdill, Press officer, Blackpool North and Fleetwood Labour Party