Cllr Sue Woodward

A Labour councillor has urged new plans for health hubs not to become “another broken promise” for Burntwood.

Conservative-controlled Staffordshire County Council has outlined proposals to bring together GPs, social care, mental health professionals and pharmacies in a bid to deliver more specialist care in communities rather than hospitals.

Cllr Alan White, the authority’s Cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing, said the proposals could help switch the focus “from hospital care to supporting more people in their homes and communities”.

Sue Woodward
Cllr Sue Woodward

But Labour county councillor Sue Woodward said people living in Burntwood need to see action after seeing hopes for a new health centre in the town dashed.

She said: “I commend Cllr White’s commitment to getting new health and care services for Burntwood but I know none of the details of this apart from the media comments.

“I truly hope it’s not going to be another broken promise, like all the other broken promises we’ve had.

“Labour has continued over many years to campaign for better health services and facilities for Burntwood.”

Conservative and Labour leaders at Burntwood Town Council have both signed a letter branding the area’s healthcare provision as “not fit for purpose”.

“It’s been identified by the NHS that the proposals to develop a health centre at Greenwood House will not by themselves meet local needs and that a second new centre at the western end of the town is needed too,” Cllr Woodard added.

“But my understanding is that funding for this second facility, and one which would replace the temporary health centre at Burntwood Leisure Centre, has recently been refused again.

“We were constantly told during the referendum debates that we are the fifth richest nation in the world. Although we’ve slipped to sixth, we are still a rich nation and there is nothing more important than looking after those who are ill and in need of care.

“Other areas within Staffordshire had new health facilities developed under the last Labour Government. It’s time now for Burntwood residents to get the facilities and services we need.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.