Linda Derrick attacks MP over "irresponsible" hospital comments

10:36am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

Labour attacks MP over "irresponsible" hospital comments Labour attacks MP over "irresponsible" hospital comments

A LABOUR party member has launched an attack on the GP politician behind plans for a Thames Valley ‘super hospital’ – saying his “irresponsible” comments will cause patients to worry about their care.

Linda Derrick, who chairs Wycombe Labour’s health policy group, put a series of questions to Dr Phillip Lee this week – following his claims that patients are getting a ‘second class service’ from the region’s hospital network.

Last week we reported how Dr Lee had stopped his father having a complex vascular procedure at Wexham Park Hospital – directing him instead to a hospital in London (see related links).

The Conservative MP for Bracknell wants a new ‘super hospital’ built at Junction 8/9 of the M4, which would require the downgrade or closure of several current hospitals, including Wexham Park.

The following questions were sent to us by Dr Derrick, who has a Chemistry PhD, and answered by Dr Lee.

Dr Derrick: Is Dr Lee saying that his father's GP showed poor clinical judgement in referring his father to Wexham Park?

Dr Lee: He was not referred by his GP. His referral came from Wexham Park casualty.

Dr Derrick: And that his father's GP should have referred his father instead to a Centre of Excellence for vascular surgery?

Dr Lee: Yes

Dr Derrick: And is Dr Lee saying that other GPs are similarly showing poor clinical judgement in referring their patients to Wexham Park where patients will get a second class service for their surgery?

Dr Lee: Yes if they know that clinical outcomes are known to be better elsewhere.

Dr Derrick: And that other patients should also insist on going to a Centre of Excellence?

Related links

Dr Lee: Yes

Dr Derrick: There must be many patients about to have surgery at Wexham Park who are will now be concerned about the service they will get there....

Dr Lee: In some circumstances I would also be concerned. How do you think you secure progress without challenging the status quo?

Dr Derrick: I cannot understand how a local MP and a practising GP can make such irresponsible statements, criticising the clinical judgement of his fellow GPs and worrying many patients.

Dr Lee: It is not irresponsible to tell the truth.

Dr Derrick: Dr Lee says he put his proposals forward "to stir things up and cause trouble". You don't do this to people about health issues, particularly to people who are waiting for operations...

Dr Lee: I am seeking to improve care for all. What are you doing by issuing such an attack on my proposal?

Comments (9)

10:52am Wed 19 Sep 12

yog says...

After Labour stripped our Hospital of services I'm not listening to a word that treacherous party says in Wycombe.
After Labour stripped our Hospital of services I'm not listening to a word that treacherous party says in Wycombe. yog

10:58am Wed 19 Sep 12

Darren Hayday says...

I'm with Dr Derrick on this one.

For an MP to state that he's throwing a spanner in the works and causing trouble is very irresponsible.

Also one rule for him (i.e. ruling political elite) and his family and another for everyone else? - That is double standards if I've ever seen it..

This is looking very similar to the Stadium project in the way that its being handled and I've already stated that I am very worried.

I for one would want to see our current hospital restored/rebuilt.

Why would all of the funding need to come from the Government?

Surely there are other ways of funding large projects like this.

In the Victorian days, hospitals had rich benefactors - we have our fair share living in and around the area - why not start up a committee and seek funders - name the hospital after a chief benefactor.

This may be laughable to many but I am being totally serious.

This was the way that new libraries, schools and hospitals were funded in bygone days.

The rich these days seem to want to hide their money in off shore bank accounts and buy new yachts/mansion houses in the centre of London - but there must be caring rich folk that would want to help build a new hospital or school for their local area?
I'm with Dr Derrick on this one. For an MP to state that he's throwing a spanner in the works and causing trouble is very irresponsible. Also one rule for him (i.e. ruling political elite) and his family and another for everyone else? - That is double standards if I've ever seen it.. This is looking very similar to the Stadium project in the way that its being handled and I've already stated that I am very worried. I for one would want to see our current hospital restored/rebuilt. Why would all of the funding need to come from the Government? Surely there are other ways of funding large projects like this. In the Victorian days, hospitals had rich benefactors - we have our fair share living in and around the area - why not start up a committee and seek funders - name the hospital after a chief benefactor. This may be laughable to many but I am being totally serious. This was the way that new libraries, schools and hospitals were funded in bygone days. The rich these days seem to want to hide their money in off shore bank accounts and buy new yachts/mansion houses in the centre of London - but there must be caring rich folk that would want to help build a new hospital or school for their local area? Darren Hayday

11:01am Wed 19 Sep 12

Catflap says...

Some would say irresponsible others would say honest.
Some would say irresponsible others would say honest. Catflap

11:51am Wed 19 Sep 12

tigeran says...

Labour accusing some one of being irresponsible LOL!!! Have a look at what happened from 1997 to the end of their demolition of this country! THAT is irresponible!!
Labour accusing some one of being irresponsible LOL!!! Have a look at what happened from 1997 to the end of their demolition of this country! THAT is irresponible!! tigeran

11:54am Wed 19 Sep 12

demoness the second says...

Darren Hayday wrote:
I'm with Dr Derrick on this one.

For an MP to state that he's throwing a spanner in the works and causing trouble is very irresponsible.

Also one rule for him (i.e. ruling political elite) and his family and another for everyone else? - That is double standards if I've ever seen it..

This is looking very similar to the Stadium project in the way that its being handled and I've already stated that I am very worried.

I for one would want to see our current hospital restored/rebuilt.

Why would all of the funding need to come from the Government?

Surely there are other ways of funding large projects like this.

In the Victorian days, hospitals had rich benefactors - we have our fair share living in and around the area - why not start up a committee and seek funders - name the hospital after a chief benefactor.

This may be laughable to many but I am being totally serious.

This was the way that new libraries, schools and hospitals were funded in bygone days.

The rich these days seem to want to hide their money in off shore bank accounts and buy new yachts/mansion houses in the centre of London - but there must be caring rich folk that would want to help build a new hospital or school for their local area?
This coming from someone who is busy scaremongering that the hospital is going down to 2 wards, the staff have been gagged and it is about to close!

Pot.. kettle... black
[quote][p][bold]Darren Hayday[/bold] wrote: I'm with Dr Derrick on this one. For an MP to state that he's throwing a spanner in the works and causing trouble is very irresponsible. Also one rule for him (i.e. ruling political elite) and his family and another for everyone else? - That is double standards if I've ever seen it.. This is looking very similar to the Stadium project in the way that its being handled and I've already stated that I am very worried. I for one would want to see our current hospital restored/rebuilt. Why would all of the funding need to come from the Government? Surely there are other ways of funding large projects like this. In the Victorian days, hospitals had rich benefactors - we have our fair share living in and around the area - why not start up a committee and seek funders - name the hospital after a chief benefactor. This may be laughable to many but I am being totally serious. This was the way that new libraries, schools and hospitals were funded in bygone days. The rich these days seem to want to hide their money in off shore bank accounts and buy new yachts/mansion houses in the centre of London - but there must be caring rich folk that would want to help build a new hospital or school for their local area?[/p][/quote]This coming from someone who is busy scaremongering that the hospital is going down to 2 wards, the staff have been gagged and it is about to close! Pot.. kettle... black demoness the second

11:55am Wed 19 Sep 12

QualityCare4all says...

It may well be true that Complex Vascular Surgery is best done at a centre of excellence. However that does not mean that the rest of the care provided by Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hosital NHS Trust is 'second class'.

Indeed South Central Health Authority has proposed that such surgery should be carried out in Centres of Excellence and is preparing for this to happen.

If Dr Lee has evidence that the quality of care, in general, is not satisfactory he should 'blow the whistle' and report the hospitals to the regulator - The Care Quality Commission.

He does have responsibilities.
It may well be true that Complex Vascular Surgery is best done at a centre of excellence. However that does not mean that the rest of the care provided by Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hosital NHS Trust is 'second class'. Indeed South Central Health Authority has proposed that such surgery should be carried out in Centres of Excellence and is preparing for this to happen. If Dr Lee has evidence that the quality of care, in general, is not satisfactory he should 'blow the whistle' and report the hospitals to the regulator - The Care Quality Commission. He does have responsibilities. QualityCare4all

11:57am Wed 19 Sep 12

FH Leveller says...

Dr Phillip Lee would be irresponsible if he did not raise legitimate concerns.
Dr Phillip Lee would be irresponsible if he did not raise legitimate concerns. FH Leveller

11:04pm Wed 19 Sep 12

faircuppa says...

Labour were at the vanguard of downgrading the District Hospitals. This is why Wycombe Hospital lost SCBU, Maternity and older persons beds. Labour should explain why they have done nothing on affordable housing either and voted to transfer Council Housing to Red Kite. Poor housing and homelessness causes ill health and then people are supposed to be able to travel to Labour's Centres of Excellence!
Labour were at the vanguard of downgrading the District Hospitals. This is why Wycombe Hospital lost SCBU, Maternity and older persons beds. Labour should explain why they have done nothing on affordable housing either and voted to transfer Council Housing to Red Kite. Poor housing and homelessness causes ill health and then people are supposed to be able to travel to Labour's Centres of Excellence! faircuppa

9:01am Sun 23 Sep 12

richardoxuk says...

Given their terrible record in government - I would think it best if the labour party & their stooges kept a low profile - they add nothing but party politics to a very important debate about the future of our healthcare.
Given their terrible record in government - I would think it best if the labour party & their stooges kept a low profile - they add nothing but party politics to a very important debate about the future of our healthcare. richardoxuk

Comments are closed on this article.

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