Menu
04/03/2005
Pensioner's shoulder operation wait row continues
A pensioner who had a shoulder operation repeatedly cancelled has become the cause of a major row between the Labour government and the Conservative Party.
The row erupted on Wednesday, when Conservative leader Michael Howard cited the case of Margaret Dixon, 69, who said that her operation was cancelled seven times, during a Commons debate. Mr Howard attacked Prime Minister Tony Blair in a furious debate, saying that Mrs Dixon was only one of 67,000 NHS patients in England who had operations cancelled last year.
Mrs Dixon, from Penketh, Cheshire, said that her operation, due to take place at Warrington General Hospital, had been cancelled seven times, because the bed she needed, was in a high dependency unit (HDU) that had to be used for emergency cases. However, the hospital claimed that the operation had only been postponed three times.
It had been reported yesterday that Health Secretary John Reid was going to visit Mrs Dixon. However, although he did go to Warrington General Hospital to meet with staff and patients, he turned down the offer to meet with Mrs Dixon. Speaking in a television interview, the Health Secretary said that he felt the offer to meet had come from the Conservatives and accused them of using the case as a political stunt.
Mr Howard also attacked Mr Reid, accusing him of lying about Conservative health policies and he challenged him to withdraw what he considered to be "false" claims.
Mrs Dixon also gave television interviews in which she expressed her disappointment that Mr Reid had not met with her. However, she also said that she did not wish to become a "political football" and said that she only wanted to highlight her case in order to get her operation.
(KMcA/SP)
The row erupted on Wednesday, when Conservative leader Michael Howard cited the case of Margaret Dixon, 69, who said that her operation was cancelled seven times, during a Commons debate. Mr Howard attacked Prime Minister Tony Blair in a furious debate, saying that Mrs Dixon was only one of 67,000 NHS patients in England who had operations cancelled last year.
Mrs Dixon, from Penketh, Cheshire, said that her operation, due to take place at Warrington General Hospital, had been cancelled seven times, because the bed she needed, was in a high dependency unit (HDU) that had to be used for emergency cases. However, the hospital claimed that the operation had only been postponed three times.
It had been reported yesterday that Health Secretary John Reid was going to visit Mrs Dixon. However, although he did go to Warrington General Hospital to meet with staff and patients, he turned down the offer to meet with Mrs Dixon. Speaking in a television interview, the Health Secretary said that he felt the offer to meet had come from the Conservatives and accused them of using the case as a political stunt.
Mr Howard also attacked Mr Reid, accusing him of lying about Conservative health policies and he challenged him to withdraw what he considered to be "false" claims.
Mrs Dixon also gave television interviews in which she expressed her disappointment that Mr Reid had not met with her. However, she also said that she did not wish to become a "political football" and said that she only wanted to highlight her case in order to get her operation.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 July 2008
M&S Loses Sparkle With Share Drop
Leading retailer Marks & Spencer has reported a slide by more than 20% in shares. M&S revealed a sudden 5.3% fall in UK like-for-like sales prompting a 21% fall in the retailer's share price. By 8.30am on Wednesday, M&S shares were priced at 250 pence and shares in other retailers, such as Sainsbury's and Next, have also fallen sharply.
M&S Loses Sparkle With Share Drop
Leading retailer Marks & Spencer has reported a slide by more than 20% in shares. M&S revealed a sudden 5.3% fall in UK like-for-like sales prompting a 21% fall in the retailer's share price. By 8.30am on Wednesday, M&S shares were priced at 250 pence and shares in other retailers, such as Sainsbury's and Next, have also fallen sharply.
12 October 2010
Children Safeguarded In Major Operation
Twenty eight children have been safeguarded as part of a major operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police in east London this morning. The operation involved potential victims of a Romanian-based Roma gang of child traffickers.
Children Safeguarded In Major Operation
Twenty eight children have been safeguarded as part of a major operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police in east London this morning. The operation involved potential victims of a Romanian-based Roma gang of child traffickers.
15 October 2010
Life Sentences For Ben Gardner Murder
Three men have been given life sentences for the murder of Ben Gardner in south London last Halloween. Mr Gardner, 30, was kicked and punched to death, in Sutton in October 2009 after his girlfiend's pirate hat was snatched. Ross Collender and Daniel Ransom, both 21, and Jordan Dixon, 18, all from Carshalton, denied murder.
Life Sentences For Ben Gardner Murder
Three men have been given life sentences for the murder of Ben Gardner in south London last Halloween. Mr Gardner, 30, was kicked and punched to death, in Sutton in October 2009 after his girlfiend's pirate hat was snatched. Ross Collender and Daniel Ransom, both 21, and Jordan Dixon, 18, all from Carshalton, denied murder.
10 September 2008
Threat Of Closure For Women's Aid Centres
Two information centres in Wales may be forced to close due to lack of funding, it has emerged. The Colwyn Bay Women's Aid office and the charity's drop-in centre in Llandudno are said to be under pressure due to rising costs, and are struggling to secure grant aid.
Threat Of Closure For Women's Aid Centres
Two information centres in Wales may be forced to close due to lack of funding, it has emerged. The Colwyn Bay Women's Aid office and the charity's drop-in centre in Llandudno are said to be under pressure due to rising costs, and are struggling to secure grant aid.
03 July 2008
Man Charged With Bus Murder
A 23-year-old Peterlee man, just named by ITN as Gary Robson, 23, has gone before the local Magistrates' Court in Co Durham charged over the death of Stan Dixon. According to police, Mr Dixon died from serious head injuries after he was allegedly attack on a bus between Hartlepool and Horden, on Saturday.
Man Charged With Bus Murder
A 23-year-old Peterlee man, just named by ITN as Gary Robson, 23, has gone before the local Magistrates' Court in Co Durham charged over the death of Stan Dixon. According to police, Mr Dixon died from serious head injuries after he was allegedly attack on a bus between Hartlepool and Horden, on Saturday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
