HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has hit back at Labour and their criticism of mounting debts at Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Mr Halfon said: “The government has increased NHS spending in real terms, and this has been shown by huge investment in Harlow’s NHS.

“Over the past two years there has been £5.7 million investment in the PAH A&E unit, £1.5 million in a dialysis unit and nearly £500,000 grant to St. Clare’s Hospice. This investment has been reflected in the professionalism and hard work of consultants, doctors and nurses, which has seen a 43% decrease in complaints to the PAH in the last year, and number of compliments increasing dramatically. Waiting times continue to fall with 95% of patients being seen within the 4 hour A&E target.

“Of course, the hospital is facing a difficult financial period and I will soon be meeting with the Health Secretary to discuss it, but investment from the Government has been strong.

“It should not be forgotten that under Labour there was a £700,000 deficit concerning the Harlow NHS walk-in centre, and the number of nurses and doctors declined.

“Contrary to what has been said, the NHS reorganisation saved £40 million locally by the abolition of the East of England Strategic Health Authority and nationally, by May 2015, £5.5 billion will be saved. These savings mean that nationally, there are nearly 4,000 more nurses in the NHS since 2010 than there ever was under Labour.”