MIKE Amesbury has secured a meeting with the Health Secretary to call for vital funding for Halton Hospital.

The hospital has been turned down twice by the government for investment in recent years, a point raised by the East Runcrorn MP during a debate with health secretary Matt Hancock.

Earlier in the debate, Hancock had spoken about government plans for new investment in the NHS.

Speaking in the chamber, Mr Amesbury said: “The reality on the ground in the Halton part of my Weaver Vale constituency is somewhat different. Twice the Halton hospital campus has been turned down for capital investment. If the Secretary of State is true to his word on delivery for northern constituencies such as mine, will he please meet me? Let us have some progress there.”

Hancock replied that he would be ‘very happy’ to meet and ‘take it forward’.

Speaking outside the Chamber, Mr Amesbury added: “During their election campaign the Conservatives pledged to invest in new hospitals around the country and I will be holding them to that pledge.

“Our brilliant NHS staff do an outstanding job, they are much valued, but they need facilities fit for the 21st Century if they're to deliver the care local people so desperately need.”