Like many of my constituents, when I heard the news relating to the closure of the surgical ward at Stepping Hill and of the loss of 350 posts, my immediate thoughts turned to those patients and staff most likely to be affected.

I swiftly sought reassurance from Ann Barnes, Chief Executive of Stockport NHS Healthcare Trust, that patient care will not be compromised. 

I fully understand that the closure of hospital beds is a highly emotive issue. It's vital that all avenues are explored in efforts to manage the deficit. Some of my constituents have contacted me to express their concerns and I am keen to ensure that people are given the facts. I was disappointed by the premature manner in which this news came to light before the official public announcement, and how it has subsequently been misrepresented for political purposes.

I am now seeking further clarification from the Trust on how the hospital will manage with the loss of beds without impacting on patient care. I have requested a breakdown of the types of posts being lost - some of which I understand are already vacant - in order to assess the potential impact on frontline services from any reduction in medical staff.

I am also concerned about the damaging effect on morale of the increased car parking charges, although I do appreciate the merits of introducing a means-tested approach, with staff on lower salaries paying less than those on higher wages.

It’s crucial that going forward the hospital is on a sound financial footing and these measures announced last week must be seen within the wider context of the ongoing cost improvement programme.

This means changing how we do things. It means making health and social care more accessible to people, closer to their homes, and re-designing services to reduce pressure on hospitals.

The reality is that advances in modern surgery mean fewer patients require overnight accommodation after surgery, which is an opportunity welcomed by many people.

The measures we’re seeing at Stepping Hill Hospital reflect this change in mindset.  

Meanwhile, there is much to be positive about. The fact remains that funding for the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has not been cut, but has in fact increased year upon year for the last six years.

In addition, Stockport has recently secured investment from Greater Manchester’s £450 million health and social care transformation fund. The Stockport Together partnership - which includes the hospital, GPs and the local authority - has received an additional £19 million over three years, a significant sum of extra money to fund radical transformation programmes.

Furthermore, a new £20 million surgical and medical centre is due to open in October, which will provide a better environment for care.

I have visited Stepping Hill Hospital many times to discuss how it plans to deliver the best outcomes for patients in an era of unprecedented change. This is a period of unparalleled demand, an ageing population, and a rise in the number of those living with multiple long-term health conditions.

What is clear is that change is needed if we are to meet the demands of 21st century medical and social care.

I am committed to doing all I can to support the hospital and will continue to seek clarification on further developments to ensure that patient care is not compromised.