There's no need to merge improved hospital

I WOULD like, first, to thank all those who voted to re-elect me as the member for Walsall North; once again, I pledge to serve all my constituents.

The opening of Manor Hospital's Family Health and Diagnostics Centre gave us a chance to see the nearly completed redevelopment which has occurred.

A 19th century much outdated building, has now been transformed into a fully modernised hospital with all the latest facilities and equipment.

Two weeks after the 2005 election the borough MPs were told, at a meeting at the Manor, of the regional decision that our local hospital was to be merged with the Wolverhampton Hospitals Trust.

There couldn't be any doubt that our opposition was very strongly supported by the public. Indeed, I couldn't find anyone who was in favour. The proposal was clearly unacceptable and a few months later it was dropped.

The next step was to get government approval for the rebuilding, and a meeting took place with the then health secretary to press for this to happen.

On June 8, 2006, I had a Commons debate in which I argued there was an urgent need for major development. For example, the hospital's east wing, which housed children's services, women's surgical wards and other facilities, was unlikely to have its fire certificate renewed. Other wards in the same wing could no longer be used because of the lack of safety.

It was in August 2006 that approval was finally given for the rebuilding of the hospital and one we certainly don't wish to see merged with any other outside the borough.