Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Paul Rowen (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 30 March 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Expenditure Changes

Question: I am sure that the Minister is aware of a leaked letter sent by the chief executive of the North West strategic health authority to PCTs calling on them to prepare cuts of 10 per cent. across the board and 15 per cent. in operational services. Such cuts include the shutting of Rochdale's accident and emergency department from 12 o'clock at night. Will the Minister admit, and stop trying to fool people about the fact, that the Government are planning real cuts after the election?

Answer: Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT will receive £358 million and £378 million in this financial year and next, which is an increase over the two-year period of £38.4 million, or 11.3 per cent. That is what we are planning for the hon. Gentleman's area. I should tell him that, contrary to what his website says, there are no "secret plans" to close his accident and emergency department overnight. There are concerns about understaffing in A and E and the board will examine how to address that in due course, but no decision has been made about closing the A and E department overnight.

Secondary information