NHS and social care in crisis

Local NHS and social care services are in crisis as they battle increasing demand and Conservative cuts.

Conservative cuts to local Government funding have caused Hampshire's social care budget to be slashed by £43m.

This has led to a 60% increase in bed days across the county because elderly and vulnerable people cannot get care at home or in the community.

All this follows a £98m cut to Hampshire's budget backed by Conservative MPs in Parliament.

Local campaigner Abul Chowdhury said, "Conservative MPs and County Councillors voted for these cuts and elderly and other vulnerable people are suffering as a result.

"The Government pretends all is well but local Tory cuts in social care are putting even more pressure on the NHS. Only the Lib Dems are prepared to face reality and say we need to fund the NHS and social care properly.

"Liberal Democrats have been calling for action on the crisis for years. More funding and resources are needed as a matter of urgency. There is a desperate need to integrate health and social care."

Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb has called on the Government to set up an all-party commission to see how we can deliver a settlement for the longer term.

So far, his call has fallen on deaf ears!