A top Oxford NHS doctor has written of his fears for the NHS under a Tory / Lib Dem government, and backed Andrew to keep our city's hospitals safe.

David Skinner, an NHS consultant with 30 years experience, challenged the Tories and the Lib Dems over A&E targets and warned local people to remember what the Tories did to the NHS before they vote Tory or Lib Dem.

David Skinner said: “I have worked in the front line of emergency care both under the Conservatives and now Labour. The support and funding could not be more different. Thanks to Labour we have new facilities, with more and better rewarded staff. Under the Tories there were up to 30 patients lying on trolleys in corridors nearly every night.

“Labour has given every support for hospitals, and worked to bring forward the extra investment we needed. I fear for patients under a Tory or Lib Dem / Tory government, given what happened under the Tories before.”

The message appears in a full colour advert in today's Oxford Mail. The advert highlights Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg's call for NHS cuts and his suggestion the NHS could be replaced by a health insurance system.

Mr Skinner added: “I will be voting Labour on Thursday, and I would strongly encourage everyone concerned about the future of the NHS to do likewise. A vote for the Lib Dems or Tories is taking a risk with our healthcare that we cannot afford.”

Andrew said: “You can see what Labour has done to help the NHS in Oxford – the John Radcliffe, the Nuffield, and local health centres have been transformed.

“This Thursday you have a choice. The Lib Dems' leader has called for savage cuts. The same old Tories who ran our NHS into the ground or Labour.

“Labour is the party of the NHS and as a local man I will fight tooth and nail for Oxford's hospitals and for our city. If you elect me I will always be on your side.”