Commenting on newspaper reports that many local hospitals have been put on red alert Nicholas Soames said; “This action substantiates entirely the case that we have been making over the hospitals and our local health services.

“There is simply not the existing capacity in the system to cope which is evident by the decision to go on red alert. It makes a nonsense of the Primary Care Trust’s and the Strategic Health Authority’s assumption that the Fit For The Future consultation is about improving patient care – it is about saving money.”

Mr Soames said; “Where some reconfiguration is probably necessary in the light of new technology and legislation we will support it, but it is clear that the case is not being made and clearly the experience of people dealing with the Health Service proves this to be the case.”

This afternoon Nicholas Soames and Nick Herbert will join supporters of the Support the Princess Royal Hospital campaign and other campaign groups at a lobby at the House of Commons which has been organised by the All Party Parliamentary Local Hospitals Group. The purpose of the lobby is to emphasise the need for hospital services and particularly A&E cover to be provided locally.

Click here to support the PRH campaign.