As you know, I am gravely concerned by the loss of the mobile breast screening service in Fleetwood.

On Thursday I met with the Health Minister Edward Argar and raised this issue with him.

In particular I highlighted my concerns that above all, this is about health inequality. Where there is deprivation, there is poor health and its in these areas that we need more services, not less.

I’m really concerned this decision has been driven by having to hit Department of Health targets. More women attend appointments in affluent areas and therefore siting the mobile breast screening unit in Lytham gives the impression the service is reaching more people. I’m also very worried that this service is being staffed by agency clinicians who I’m told, don’t want to come all the way to Fleetwood. It’s not right that the health of thousands of women should be compromised by a staffing issue.

The minister says he will contact the health trust and in the meantime myself, our public health lead Dr Mark Spencer and Labour Councillors Lorraine Beavers and Cheryl Raynor will be having another meeting with the hospital tomorrow.