MP discusses hospital cash crisis

An MP is to bring a hospital's cash crisis to the attention of Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt on Wednesday.

A maternity ward, a 24-hour surgery unit and up to 50 beds have been closed at Northampton General Hospital as part of drastic action to save money.

The hospital has also been given just eight weeks to pay back a £2m loan.

MP Sally Keeble will discuss the impact on medical services of the Strategic Health Authority calling in a loan and also the pressure on health services.

The financial crisis is part of a wider problem for health services in Northampton, the MP said.

"The main problem seems to be that a few years ago there was an underestimating of the population growth in Northampton.

"We're getting more money now but it is from a low base. We need to get those baseline figures sorted out and obtain proper funding for the health service in Northampton."