TWO top Government ministers have refused to meet South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt MP to discuss the proposed hospital closures in South West Surrey. Both Health Minister Patricia Hewitt and Caroline Flint, the minister with responsibility for health issues in the south of England, have refused meeting requests made by Mr Hunt. In a letter, Caroline Flint told Mr Hunt: "I am aware of your continuing concerns about the PCT's consultation and its decision to proceed with Option 1. "However, as I have stated in previous correspondence to you on this matter, decisions about the provision of local services are a matter for local determination. "Accordingly any concerns should be resolved locally. In the light of the above, I hope you will understand if I decline your request for a meeting." Mr Hunt said he believed the current government was making it "immensely difficult" for MPs to do their jobs by breaking the parliamentary convention that says they should be accessible to MPs with concerns on constituency issues. He said: "The PCT tell me their funding formula is a matter for government ministers, but government ministers say financial problems have to be resolved locally. "If everyone continues to pass the buck, no wonder the NHS is in crisis. I am appalled that ministers can be so cowardly as our local hospitals are closed down." Commenting on the recent letter sent to the primary care trust by the Strategic Health Scrutiny Committee, Mr Hunt said he agreed with what the SHSC had to say. He said: "I have immense concerns about the future of our hospitals as do the members of the SHSC. "When will Guildford and Waverley PCT wake up and listen? Everyone is against these proposals to plough ahead with Option 1 - even the health secretary is covering up her thoughts on the matter. I hope this letter by the SHSC has some sort of impact."
