ROYSTON S MP Oliver Heald has criticised a Government minister over proposed health cuts in Hertfordshire. Up to 500 job cuts have been proposed in the health service in Herts in an attempt to save £18 million. The East and North Herts NHS Trust is lo

ROYSTON'S MP Oliver Heald has criticised a Government minister over proposed health cuts in Hertfordshire.

Up to 500 job cuts have been proposed in the health service in Herts in an attempt to save £18 million.

The East and North Herts NHS Trust is looking to cut 10 per cent of its staff.

Mr Heald has written to Health Minister Rosie Winterton, taking her to task for what he believes is a complacent attitude towards the health service in Herts.

But the minister said the cuts were a matter for local health bodies - and nothing to do with her.

Mr Heald said, however: "I am making public this exchange of correspondence with the minister as I cannot believe that she has so little awareness of what is happening across the county.