PCT pressing ahead with CATS against advice of Department of

3.00.00pm GMT Wed 5th Dec 2007

Local MP Tim Farron has queried the wisdom of the move by North Lancashire Primary Care Trust to press on with procuring Clinical Assessment, Treatment and Support centres, despite the statement from the Secretary of State for Health declaring that they are not value for money.

Mr Farron received notice from Ian Cumming, the Chief Executive of the PCT that they would still be seeking to procure services from the independent sector through a locally agreed contract because of the extra capacity they provide. However, Mr Farron has expressed concern at the funding requirements, especially due to budgetary concerns surrounding the heart and stroke unit.

Mr Farron said:

"If these CATS centres have been criticised as not value for money at the very highest level, I am unsure as to why the PCT is so keen to press ahead with them. I am sure there are better ways of spending the money set aside for this.

"I have written to the PCT to ask about how they will be securing the money for pursuing this project. I would like to see these plans scrapped and the funding redirected."