I read with interest in the Bolton News our MP's calls for more money for the Royal Bolton Hospital, something I have been campaigning for for the past 5 years.  Until now I always felt that our MP's thought that the hospital was correctly funded, so I welcome their conversion to my campaign for a fully funded hospital.

I appreciate Mr Iddon's call for the plugging of the £650K needed to fill the recent pay award of 2.75% for the staff, much needed and much deserved, but what about the chronic under funding over the past 4 years which has seen the hospital having to find cuts of on average £5 million year on year and what about the hundreds of jobs lost over the same period?

Ruth Kelly MP states she thinks its is vital that the hospital continue to maintain the investments in services and I have to say I agree but what I say to her is how are they expected to pay for these investments when we are continually asking the staff to find substantial cuts in many areas?

Harry Hanley (Unison Branch Secretary) states that he is pleased to see all three off our MPs working together.  But I urge caution; Please don't be deceived into what some may say is a pre 1st May election ploy to deceive voters.  Post the 1st May elections lets see how much banging of the tables and shouting from the roofs they do for this extra money.

Whilst we have a Leader of the Council who is also the Chairman of the Hospital Board then I don't see a lot changing.  From anyone's point of view this must be a conflict of interest.  I and my collegues will continue to challenge the hospital to ensure that the public of Bolton get the NHS they deserve.

If this extra money arrives then I will be proved wrong and I will gladly hold my hands up to that fact but in the mean time I won't hold my breath!

Cllr Andy Morgan (Hulton Ward)