NHS SURPLUS HELD BACK TO PROVIDE POLITICAL COVER - LAMB

12.03.09pm GMT Wed 2nd Jan 2008

Commenting on an article in BMA News accusing the Government of reneging on a promise to use the predicted NHS surplus this year on patients and instead carry it forward to next year, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb MP said: "This is yet more evidence that the much trumpeted surplus is being used to save the Government's political skin, at the expense of patient care."

"We desperately need to have some honesty from ministers about the NHS finances. How much does the health service actually have for treating patients and staff and how much is being held back to provide cover for more ministerial mishaps?"