The Government sponsored ‘Sustainable, Transformation Programme (STP) must give guarantees on the future of our hospital, GPs and social care services.

The Government has divided the Country up in to 44 different areas known as STPs. The aim is to reform the NHS and save £20 Billion pounds whilst meeting growing demand.

Milton Keynes Hospital and Council are part of a STP covering Milton Keynes, Luton, Central Bedfordshire and Bedford. It covers:

* 4 Councils.

* 3 Hospitals

* 3 Commissioning bodies (CCGs)

* 2 Ambulance Trusts

* 4 Mental health Trusts.

Milton Keynes Council’s Labour leadership are very concerned about the STP and fear that it is being led by a Government insider, who is Chief Executive of Luton Hospital and this plus the proposed cuts of £311 million a year by 2020/21 may put MK Hospital and local services at risk.

Cllr Peter Marland, Council Leader said, “The review is the third one looking at closing A&Es, shipping services out of Milton Keynes and looking at the downgrading of Maternity units. The previous reviews have cost millions. The real winners appear to be high paid private consultancy companies, not the patients who face underfunded hospitals and care services. The STP is also consuming huge amounts of staff time“

Milton Keynes Labour led Council are calling for guarantees on 8 key issues before they can support any STP proposals.  We want:

1. No reduction in nurses at MK Hospital

2. No downgrade to A&E

3. Expanded and improved maternity services in MK

4. More funding for social care to ease pressure on the NHS

5. More joined up delivery of integrated services

6. Better funded GP services at the heart of the community

7. Make Mental Health Services a priority

8. More investment in preventative services, such as Public Health.

Cllr Pete Marland concluded, “We want guarantees on these 8 key issues to protect and improve our hospital, local GP practices and social care services. Without guarantees we will have to reconsider our position. I am morally obliged to put the residents of MK first and to protect our NHS from more Conservative government cuts hidden behind the STP mask!“

Read our previous comments about the STP here: http://www.mklabour.org.uk/second_statement_on_blmk_stp