THE billions invested in the NHS has meant more and more bureaucracy, which seems to have soaked up much of the additional funds that were meant to go to providing more quality care. One of the more noticeable effects was the well-known downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital.

I believe, along with my party, that hospitals should be run by the people who put health and welfare before targets: people like surgeons and doctors, with wards controlled by experienced matrons, who can oversee the quality of care, welfare and cleanliness of the wards.

Managers, who are forced to be more concerned with targets than patient care, have absorbed many millions of funding every year. With the removal of burdening bureaucracy that costs us millions every year, we can improve the health of our health service.

Health Concern over a lengthy period, has been unable to reinstate our general hospital to its former glory.

We were told that we could not afford it, yet £120 million can be found for the equally worthy cause of rebuilding our schools.

If this money can be found, despite the burden of paying the EU membership fee costing us £45 million a day, UKIP feels that a portion of that money could go to reinstating Kidderminster Hospital.

However, should pure economics be the only deciding factor for the provision of local health services?

Common sense suggests people feel more comfortable with a proper hospital on their doorstep than travelling to Worcester. UKIP thinks this should be a local referendum issue.

I fully support UKIP’s healthcare policy which states that amongst other things we will introduce elected County Health Boards, to create local democratic control of the NHS. Public opinion in a county will hold the board responsible for their decisions. The board must listen to the wishes of local people when it comes to retaining A&E facilities or the future of rural cottage hospitals.

I would also campaign for the removal of car parking charges at the hospital.

At a national level, along with free dental check-ups and eye tests, UKIP would propose that the vital Air Ambulance service should be publicly funded. This service should not have to rely on public donations.

In the meantime a fresh approach is needed to the hospital issue.

If elected I will continue the fight to get back our A&E department.