Church steps into NHS funding row

Clergy plead for help from MPs Richard Spring and David Ruffley

The church has stepped into the row over the NHS funding crisis and is lobbying MPs for the people of Suffolk.

Clergy from all denominations have challenged political leaders as cuts become more acute.

A spokeswoman for the clergy said: "People are worried what services are going to be available to them. Others are afraid for their jobs."

About 40 chaplains and parish priests shared concerns in Ipswich with MPs Richard Spring and David Ruffley.

Among the issues raised were the poor provision of mental health services, the lack of help in rural areas and why Suffolk gets less money from the government than other counties.

Picking up the pieces

Every trust in the region is under pressure but in Suffolk things are particularly bad this year. With a massive deficit to contend with a number of hospitals, beds and jobs are under threat.

Suffolk MPs David Ruffley and Richard Spring promised to keep pressurising government.

Mr Ruffley said: "This is the first time we've seen so many church leaders and charities radicalised. "They are saying they've had enough with all the pressure and trying to pick up the pieces with diminished resources."

Richard Spring said: "We're all together in this. It transcends political parties because it concerns the health and well being of local people."