THE Ludlow based ‘Defend our NHS in Shropshire’ group has written to all parliamentary candidates to see if they will back a new ‘health manifesto’.

According to the group too much remains undecided as the general election approaches and so they want specific pledges from candidates, including those standing in Ludlow, on a number of key issues.

The major local issues where clear pledges are sought relate of the future of accident and emergency service, plans for urgent care centres in towns like Ludlow and Bishop's Castle, as well as the quality of the ambulance service.

There are a number of key elements in the ‘manifesto’ made public by the Ludlow based group.

At the top of this is the retention of two full accident and emergency units in Shrewsbury and Telford.

They also want a commitment that the creation of urgent care centres will not be used as an excuse to close minor injuries units in towns like Ludlow and Bishop's Castle.

‘Defend our NHS in Shropshire’ also wants to secure pledges that there will be the investment in ambulance services in Shropshire to meet national targets.

Another demand is that there is integration between properly funded health and social care services in the county.

“With a general election coming up, we want to put our politicians on the spot,” said Joyce Brand of Ludlow, who is a leading member of the ‘Defend our NHS’ group.

“They can all say ‘trust me, the NHS is safe’ – but do they actually mean it? Will they fight to keep our accident and emergency open?

“Will they stop the closure of one of our local acute hospitals, Shrewsbury or Telford? Will they stand up to party leaders who demand more cuts and more privatisation? We want to know.

“That’s why our members will be contacting all Parliamentary candidates locally to find out if they’ll really defend the NHS, or if it’s all hot air.”