The loss of NHS beds in hospitals across the Country has been criticised by local Liberal Democrats this week.

Cllr Barry Stamp told a meeting of Liberal Democrat members he was appalled at the news that since Labour came to power in 1997, 10,000 fewer NHS beds existed.

"In 1997 we were told that a Labour government would ensure more beds were made available in NHS hospitals but recent research has shown that the complete opposite has indeed occurred. It now appears that despite the promises made there are now 10,000 few beds than six years ago. This reduction, at a time when health ministers are insisting public services are improving, can only mean hospitals are running close to full capacity. This means there is little room for manoeuvre, and that pre-booked operations and hospital treatment might be cancelled to allow emergencies to take priority. This is especially worrying as winter approaches. I do think it is important for local residents to know exactly where they stand and I will be writing to David O'Neill, the Chief Executive at the Mid-Staffs Hospital Trust to see what is the position with the hospitals that serve this area. It is only fair everyone knows exactly where he or she stands when it comes to health care. Britain is renowned for its National Health Service but it is clear that current government spin is hiding the real facts," said Cllr Stamp.

Cllr Stamp is also compiling a dossier of operations and hospital visits that have been cancelled and would like to hear from local residents who might have been affected. Once the exact problem is know Cllr Stamp intends to raise the matter with the County Council's Health Scrutiny Committee.