The Shadow Health Minister has blamed the government for causing Huddersfield’s hospital woes.
Justin Madders MP joined Kirklees’ four MPs at the Westminster debate to save A&E at the Royal Infirmary.
And while the local MPs agreed to keep politics out of the discussion, the Shadow Minister said the sudden financial deterioration at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust was down to the current government and its Conservative predecessors.
He said: “The PFI deal was signed while Tony Blair was Prime Minister but much of the negotiating was done while John Major was in charge.
“But it would be fair to say the financial problems facing the trust are not solely down to the PFI deal, nor are they alone in facing such challenges.
“The truth is government have lost control of NHS finances.
“By slashing social care spending they have created a crisis in every part of the NHS and by completely mismanaging staff issues they have created a crisis in recruitment and retention leading to a surge in spending on agency staff.
“In 2010/11 spend on agency staff at Calderdale and Huddersfield hospitals was £7.2m.
“This year it is forecast to be £21.2m – an increase of 194%.”
Speaking about Calderdale and Huddersfield hospitals problems recruiting staff, he added: “Sickness rates are high and retention rates are low because, frankly, the NHS workforce is demoralised.”
Mr Madders, a former lawyer and leader of Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council, also criticised health bosses’ consultation work so far.
He said they had not yet asked the vital question: “Do you want the A&E at Huddersfield Royal to close?”
