Government to be pushed for extra health cash thanks to opposition councillor

AN OPPOSITION councillor’s amendment to an NHS motion from Labour won the ruling party’s support.
Lib Dem councillor Adam CarterLib Dem councillor Adam Carter
Lib Dem councillor Adam Carter

A motion moved by Cllr Wendy Cooksey noted how the health service in Rotherham is struggling to cope.

It called for scrutiny of the future plans and close working with health bodies, with the council reserving the right to not sign the transformation plan.

But Lib Dem councillor Adam Carter added an amendment which said the council would write to Government and lobby MPs for more health and social care cash for Rotherham.

Cllr Carter, who is a junior doctor, said: “I was pleased to see an NHS motion put forward so that we can address the current issues we face.

“However, from then on I was disappointed. I saw that the motion put forward by the Labour party has chosen to focus on a public awareness campaign to explain the Sustainability and Transformation Plan to the people of Rotherham.

“I asked myself what would the Red Cross do when faced with a humanitarian crisis?"

“They would launch an appeal, ask for money, ask for help on the ground, and get stuck in in dealing with the crisis.”

The motion noted that 12 per cent of Rotherham patients wait more than four hours to be seen in A&E, exceeding the national five per cent target.

It was passed — with Cllr Carter’s additions — at last week’s full council meeting (12).