"Unite to fight NHS cuts" say Lib Dems

Liberal Democrat councillors are giving their strong support to the principle of a united cross-party campaign to fight any cuts to NHS services in Guildford. At Thursday's meeting of Guildford Borough Council, senior Lib Dem Onslow councillor Tony Phillips will call on the council to use its influence to mobilise all sectors of the local community to campaign against any possible cuts in NHS provision or closure of the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

Cllr Phillips said "We must unite to fight the prospect of NHS cuts affecting Guildford residents. The latest reports that either the Royal Surrey or St. Peter's could close entirely underline the seriousness of the situation."

Cllr Phillips will ask the Council Leader to point out to the Secretary of State, when he writes to her, that the Royal Surrey has performed outstandingly against all government targets, has the lowest joint mortality rate in the country, and is a centre of excellence for the treatment of cancer. Its special links with the University of Surrey, particularly with the post-graduate medical school, have been built up over many years and should not be discarded.

Cllr Phillips added "These rumours of closure are a slap in the face for all hospital and university staff who have worked so hard to make our hospital a centre of excellence."

For further information on this topic contact:

Cllr Tony Phillips, T: 01483 828282

Lib Dem Group Leader, Cllr Fiona White T: 078 1827 0907 M: 01252 332381