THE NHS is a service that Britain can be proud of.

However, like all large organisations, it is not perfect and needs reforming.

Mention this to NHS staff and they will say that they are sick of reforms and just want to get on with doing their job.

The Government, while trying to protect the NHS by freezing its budgets, has embarked on a mission to radically reform the health service structurally by redirecting budgets through GPs.

Sounds like a good model.

Local GPs have first class knowledge of their patients’ needs – but are they meant to be doctors or accountants?

Norman Lamb, a senior Lib Dem MP is quite rightly threatening to resign, unless the changes are modified. I want any changes to the NHS to be via pilot schemes and tested before being introduced.

Free parking for staff and patients and accident and emergency services restored to Bishop Auckland General Hospital should be our number one priority.

Alderman Ben Ord, Spennymoor Lib Dems.