Urgent warning of conditions at 'unsafe' hospital

STOCKPORT'S council leader and Lib Dem MPs have issued an urgent warning about the conditions at 'crumbling' Stepping Hill Hospital.

- BY DECLAN CAREY

Coun Mark Roberts, who took over as leader of Stockport town hall this year said buildings at the hospital are not safe for staff and patients.

He joined MPs Lisa Smart and Tom Morrison in calling for immediate action to address the problems.

"The situation at Stepping Hill is simply not sustainable," Coun Roberts said.

"Our amazing NHS staff are doing everything they can in crumbling and unsafe buildings, it's not fair on them and it's not fair on patients.

"We need urgent repairs now, but we also need to plan for the future."

The council leader called for new investment for a "modern, centrally located healthcare facility" based near Stockport Interchange.

Bosses at the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said last year that the repair backlog at Stepping Hill had reached £134m and that it was struggling to manage the growing list of work required.