ST HELENS Council is spearheading a bid for more cash for the NHS.
In an emergency motion to full council, John Fletcher, chair of Development called on the Health Minister to increase funding.
The move follows the temporary closure of Bishops Ward at St Helens Hospital which Councillor Fletcher says has been done to provide extra funds to handle winter admissions to Whiston Hospital.
"I understand this has been done because of lack of funding from the Government. This will cause severe difficulties for many local families in need of respite care," he says. "Instead of channelling funds into administration and managers it's time that the money went to where it is really needed, for more doctors and nurses."
Councillor Fletcher said he hoped that the temporary closure was not the thin end of the wedge which would lead to the permanent axing of the valuable and much-needed ward.
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