Heartlands is in desperate need of a cash injection. Lib Dems respond to budget comments relating to NHS and social care

NHS and Social Care

In today’s budget, whilst other hospitals were mentioned for regeneration. Birmingham’s hospitals were notable by their absence in her statement. 

“No mention was made of Heartlands hospital” said Cllr Tilsley “The A&E department is in a terrible state of disrepair. It is completely overwhelmed by the ever-increasing need for services as is in desperate need of a capital injection.”

Liberal Democrats, who have long campaigned for carers under the leadership of Sir Ed Davey who has been a carer throughout his life, nodded approval as the Chancellor paid heed to his tireless work for carers, as she announced that carers would be able to earn £10,000 a year without losing carers allowance. 

Following successful campaigning, she also promised to investigate the overpayments scandal where carers, many on very low incomes, were penalised for care payments because their earnings had gone just over the allowed threshold.

In the chamber, Sir Ed Davey raised the fact that NHS rebuild promises had been made, and broken previously, and therefore he sought clarification:

“When will the funding (for capital investment) be in place, and when will the projects be completed?

“When will people with cancer be able to start treatment within 62 days and not within months as is currently the case?”

“Fixing the crisis is a matter of life and death, and also so for our economy” added Sir Ed Davey, explaining how the Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for better services and more appointments. 

“You are ignoring the elephant in the NHS waiting room – social care. Hundreds of thousands of people are stranded in hospital beds because care isn’t in place for them to leave. 

“Today’s announcement won’t touch the sides. 

“We need a long-term solution (to adult social care) or we will never end the crisis in our health service. 

“Start cross party talks without further delay ad act now. 

“Pay care workers properly. Today’s fair pay statement is a step in the right direction but nowhere near enough. Liberal Democrats will continue to call for a higher minimum wage for carers.

Sir Ed Davey also paid tribute to unpaid family carers who “keep the system afloat” adding that “raising the earnings limit for carers allowance is a good first step