Allan Smith

We always knew Cllr Liz Redfern couldn't lead, now we learn she cannot read either!

If she read my previous correspondence on the issue of cleanliness in our hospitals carefully she will see I asked why she failed to raise the issue during her tenure on the PCT board.  Is it because she is incompetent and failed to do her job properly or is it because the issue does not exist?

Cllr Redfern's Conservative group should remember the consecutive Tory governments, during the 1980s and 90s, who forced hospitals to bring in private cleaning contractors.  Not only did that mean hundreds of people lost their jobs as costs were cut, but it lined the pockets of the Tories' friends in the private sector.  In 1997 the NHS was on its knees with long waiting lists and under-investment.  Now the NHS is the envy of nations the world over.

Instead of dismissing the efforts of the staff Cllr Redfern and her right-wing friends should recognise the hard work and dramatic improvements in our hospitals. I would hope she will now dismiss the ‘boring political ping pong' and publicly disown the Shadow Minister for starting this anti-hospital staff campaign and instead congratulate those who do an excellent job of looking after the health of local residents - including members of the Conservative group!