Easington MP John Cummings has welcomed a substantial increase in funding for frontline NHS services in his constituency.
Following the announcement that the Government has allocated £43.5m over the next three years for Easington, he said: "This is great news for patients in east Durham.
"By 2007/2008, the settlement will be equivalent to £1,914 for every man, woman and child in the district.
"The Labour Government recognises the severe health problems we have here in the Easington district, and not only recognises it, but is doing something about it.
"The local NHS will be able to recruit more nurses and community-based staff, including doctors and dentists to help tackle public health, chronic diseases like diabetes, and reduce deaths from heart disease and cancer."
He said the amount of extra funding was unprecedented, and said: "I am absolutely delighted that the intense lobbying which has been carried over the past two years has finally paid off.
"By 2007, we will have gone from the worst funded health community to almost the best. I am absolutely delighted."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article