WIRRAL MPs have joined forces to protest at Wirral Foundation hospital trust "secret" decision to transfer vascular services – the treatment of veins and arteries – from Arrowe Park Hospital to Chester.
The move follows three-pronged criticism from senior clinicians at Arrowe Park, that:
The decision to propose the transfer was taken in secret – without involving those clinicians;
It will be more costly to base vascular services at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where a new building will be needed;
The service will be further away from people most likely to need the treatment.
A joint letter making those criticisms – and calling for a return to "square one" – has been sent to Michael Carr, the chairman of Wirral Trust, who has now asked for a meeting with the four MPs.
It means the borough's three Labour MPs – Frank Field (Birkenhead), Angela Eagle (Wallasey) and Alison McGovern (Wirral South) – have joined forces with the lone Conservative, Esther McVey (Wirral West).
