Grayson on Shocking £24M PCT Deficit

10.04.00pm GMT Thu 17th Dec 2009

Following the admission by Hertfordshire PCTs that they are expecting a shocking £24m deficit on their budgets up to the end of March, Dr Richard Grayson, Hemel's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate commented:

"Everyone is surprised about the deficit but I am already concerned about what I am hearing from parts of the county. I understand that GPs have been issued with a list of matters which they can refer. If your illness isn't on

the list, you won't get a referral until after April 2010. This is a massive problem because delays to treatment have great consequences for individuals. Moreover, delaying treatment can cost the NHS much more in the long run.

"There are three immediate challenges.

"First, we all deserve an explanation of what has gone so badly wrong, and why.

"Second, an inquiry must be held, and its findings made public, so that out of the fiasco can come some lessons for the future.

"Third, the list of banned referrals needs to be made public. That will help the people of Hemel, and Hertfordshire more widely, understand what is going on."