Tom Morrison MP Visits Stepping Hill to Discuss Funding Challenges and Audiology Services

Tom Morrison, MP for Cheadle, recently visited Stepping Hill Hospital alongside local campaigner Lisa Smart to meet with Karen James, Chief Executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. During the visit, Tom also spent time speaking with frontline staff, including nurse Angela, who shared their experiences of working under intense pressure.

The meeting focused on the significant financial challenges facing the hospital. While some funding has been made available for essential repairs, the total estimated requirement is over £100 million, and it remains unclear how much of that will be delivered. The Trust has had to repurpose £11.5 million to fund a new outpatient unit, which is due to open this summer.

In addition to capital funding pressures, the hospital is being asked to make £41 million in cuts next year, which will result in the closure of at least one ward. Tom expressed deep concern about the impact this will have on patients and staff, and reiterated his commitment to fighting for fair investment in Stepping Hill.

Tom also raised the issue of audiology services in Stockport, following reports of long waiting times and disruption affecting hundreds of patients. The situation has been exacerbated by a national shortage of qualified audiologists and changes to service provision. Tom has pledged to take this issue up at the national level to seek urgent solutions.

“Stepping Hill is doing all it can with limited resources, but our local NHS staff deserve better,” Tom said. “I’ll keep pushing for the investment and support they need.”