Kramer demands answers over growing 18 month list for scans at Kingston Hospital

9.38.53pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Apr 2005

A vital local health lifeline, Kingston Hospital, is plagued by delays on appointments for MRI scans and Lib Dem Candidate Susan Kramer is demanding answers to these problems.

A private/public deal which was meant to deliver more equipment has resulted in people in Richmond and Kingston facing a year and a half wait for an appointment.

"The alarm bells rang when I saw reports of a crisis at Kingston Hospital and a crisis it is if so many people from our area face these kind of waiting times. MRI scans are vital in helping to detect a whole range of conditions.

"The government must take its share of the responsibility for this situation. It has placed too much emphasis on these kind of deals in the NHS.

"I share the concern of the consultant radiologist at the hospital. The situation is getting worse rather than better. Demand is high and yet we see a backlog of appointments which is growing by

the day.

"The Liberal Democrats pledge a £350 million to bring down waiting times for just this kind of diagnostic screening."

"If elected I will raise questions about this and will press for action to stop local people being victims of a system that is not working.

"Kingston Hospital is a great NHS asset for the people of Richmond and Kingston. We cannot risk letting down people who need a vital service and support like this."