PATIENTS in Weaver Vale can now expect better waiting times for treatment and demand free health checks following an announcement by the Labour Government.
The three new, enforceable, rights mean that patients aged between 40-74 can receive a free health check every five years, see a cancer specialist within two weeks if your GP suspects you may have cancer and receive any treatment for any illness within 18 weeks of a GP referral.
Weaver Vale Mike Hall MP said: “The NHS is one of Britain's greatest achievements – a service available to all based on need - not ability to pay.
“From being on its knees in the mid 90s the NHS is now in better shape with more staff on the ground and new hospitals.
“Although there has been investment and improvement I think you want know what we have planned for the future.
“The answer is that Labour is going to give more real power to patients.
“We want to go even further than the guarantees announced this week.
“Our cancer pledge is to give people the legal right to get tested for cancer and get results within one week of seeing your GP.
“And we also want to bring in the right to see a GP at weekends or in the evening, and to abolish practice boundaries for good.
“The Conservatives like to call NHS targets and guarantees bureaucracy and red tape.
“They say they will get rid of all of Labour’s guarantees for patients.
“Including the guarantee that you will see a specialist within two weeks if you have suspected cancer.
“All the Tories offer on health is a gamble.”
