MPs debate 'threatened' hospital

Clostridium Difficile bacterium cases are on the rise at Kettering Hospital

The future of a hospital under alleged threat from a lack of resources in an area with a fast growing population, is to be debated in Parliament.

MPs will discuss Kettering General Hospital after the Speaker of the House of Commons allowed a special debate.

Kettering MP Philip Hollobone claims the hospital lacks funding and, as a result, has a poor record on infection.

He plans to use the debate to highlight to health ministers the need for more investment in the hospital.

He said: "In Kettering an extra 13,100 houses are to be built at the government's insistence and that represents an increase in population of a third to a half.

"That means the community needs a third to a half more doctors, nurses and hospital beds. That's a message health ministers need to understand."

'Increasing need'

Last month it was announced that cases of the bug clostridium difficile at the hospital had risen by more than 200 in the past year.

The hospital has also had problems with higher than average mortality rates.

Mr Hollobone said: "The hospital is under huge pressure particularly with C. difficile and MRSA on the wards.

"The government needs to relieve the pressure by coming up with more help to meet the health needs of the local population which is increasing in and around Kettering."

The hospital said they were aware of the debate but would wait until it took place before deciding to make any statement.