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Bury MP in defensive mode after hypocrisy attack

08/02/2007

Bury South MP and government health minister Ivan Lewis has been accused of hypocrisy by the Conservatives for backing government plans to reduce the number of maternity units while campaigning to save wards at Fairfield Hospital.

Mr Lewis defended his position, saying that he agreed with the "need for further consolidation" in Greater Manchester, but argued that some constituents in Rossendale and Heywood would be left without maternity care access.

He told the Telegraph that there was no reason why he should keep quiet about his own views just because he was a minister.

Mr Lewis has also come under attack in recent days after he failed to represent the government's position at the launch of the new NHS report regarding the creation of specialised sick baby units.

However, the minister has said he was attending a previously-arranged appointment in his constituency.

The controversy in Greater Manchester over the closure of some hospital services and the consistent pressure from protestors has led to something of a government climbdown.

Health minister Rosie Winterton announced in the Commons that plans to shut down some wards in the city-region would be shelved until the findings of a new three-month review have been assessed.






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