A FORMER long-serving Wyre Forest councillor has been elected as the new chairman of the Health Concern party.

Graham Ballinger, who decided not to defend his district council seat in 2016, was unanimously elected to the role at an extraordinary general meeting on Friday (January 12) and replaces Linda Candlin who has stepped down.

Former Wyre Forest MP and party stalwart Dr Richard Taylor said the appointment would enable them to continue the work in the community, particularly the NHS.

Dr Taylor said: “Graham has years of experience as a local councillor and he promised that Health Concern after 19 years serving the community, is here to stay under his leadership and will continue to fight for our community on all issues, and particularly for more local hospital services.

“At Kidderminster Hospital, we must have ready access to a doctor in the minor injuries unit as this would save unnecessary ambulance journeys to Worcester for patients with less serious illnesses and injuries who need a medical opinion.

“We welcome plans that we believe are being made for increased elective day and in-patient investigations and operations at Kidderminster Hospital.

“This increase is essential for the whole county as it will reduce the load on the hospitals in Worcester and Redditch where there are not enough beds.

“Facilities, including beds, are available and currently unused and wasted within Kidderminster Hospital.

“Nationally and in Worcestershire the NHS is desperately short of money and, as a result, in crisis due to a shortage of nurses and doctors.

“Health Concern members believe that most people would support an increase in income tax if the increase were to be guaranteed for the NHS which must continue to be universally available, free at the point of need, and publicly funded, publicly accountable and publicly provided.”