FUNDING OF HOSPITALS

That this House notes that a private hospital is carrying out specialist heart treatment while a government-funded ward lies closed due to lack of funds; is appalled that the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle is so cash strapped it cannot accommodate patients on waiting lists; further notes 20,000 names on a petition to be presented to the Secretary of State for Health; further notes that Wearsiders could face delays in treatment because of reductions in bed numbers; and calls on the Secretary of State to take immediate action to ensure that our National Health Service hospitals are properly funded.