NHS League Tables Highlight Urgent Need for Stepping Hill Investment

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Alice Delemare has warned that the Government's new NHS league tables highlight the urgent need for investment in Stepping Hill Hospital.
The league tables, which rank every NHS Trust in England, placed Stockport NHS Trust 86th in the country. Alice says the result reflects years of underfunding and a growing £134 million repair backlog at Stepping Hill.
Alice praised the dedication of hospital staff, who she said were "providing outstanding care in incredibly difficult circumstances." But she warned that unless the Government steps in, patients will face longer waits and more uncertainty.
"Stepping Hill is full of hardworking and compassionate staff who go above and beyond every single day," Alice said. "But the buildings they are working in simply aren't fit for purpose. Corridors have flooded, ceilings are unsafe, and parts of the site have already been condemned.
"Instead of investing properly, the Government is forcing the Trust to make £41 million of savings this year alone. That's not sustainable – it risks becoming a vicious circle where staff morale suffers, recruitment becomes harder, and patients lose confidence in seeking care."
Alice has pledged to continue pressing Ministers for urgent action. Stockport Liberal Democrats have already delivered a petition signed by over 6,000 local residents to 10 Downing Street, calling for immediate repairs to Stepping Hill as well as a long-term development plan.
She added: "Stepping Hill is at the heart of our community and it deserves better. The Government cannot ignore this any longer – they must provide the investment needed to secure the hospital's future and ensure patients in Stockport and across Greater Manchester get the care they need."