Sunday, 28th January 2007

MP Howard Stoate argues that the public needs to be persuaded that the government's plan to close hospitals will be good for health care.

The government is losing the public debate on hospital closures, Howard Stoate MP, and member of the Health Select Committee, will warn ministers at a Fabian Society seminar this week.

Stoate, a GP in Dartford and one of the most respected MPs on health issues, will outline his fears about losing public support for NHS reform at a seminar with health minister Andy Burnham.

Stoate's warning comes after a series of MPs have joined demonstrations to save local hospitals from closures. He says: 'The public is confused about what is at stake. This isn't about the short-term financial balancing of the books in the NHS. We need to show why patient care outside hospitals works better.'

Event report