THE leader of Worcester's Labour party has denied the county's health service is in the depths of a crisis.

Councillor David Barlow told fellow councillors concern over services in Worcestershire had been caused by media hype.

He was responding to a motion put forward by the city's ruling Conservative group, demanding answers from health chiefs.

Tory leader Robert Rowden said he was concerned over public anger at the level of service being provided by Worcestershire Health Authority

But Coun Barlow produced an amendment "reassuring" people that eight listed improvements would "deliver substantially better health care".

He said the health authority's chief executive had offered to address councillors on their concerns.

Coun Barlow admitted the service was "under strain" as it underwent "major transition", but blamed media hype for causing public concern and said the Conservatives had moved the motion as an "opening shot" for the forthcoming General Election.

He labelled an Evening News story featuring a man being treated in the back of an ambulance a "gross invasion of privacy".

"It won't happen again, I'll tell you that," he said.

He said some departments had moved from Kidderminster to Worcester "without a hitch".

But Coun Rowden said it was not up to councillors to promise improvements because they could not guarantee they would be delivered.

"It's for the health authority to deliver, not us," he said.

Coun Rowden said although the matter was not the responsibility of the council he had moved the motion due to "considerable local concern" from patients and staff.

"I've received nothing but praise about doctors, nurses and hospital staff, but great concern about the reorganisation," he said.

Independent councillor Mike Layland said the service was 130 nurses short at 10am on Tuesday, and hospitals had been forced to visit the Philippines to recruit staff.

He said patients were experiencing bed shortages every day of the week.

"The Evening News was absolutely correct when it highlighted the problem," he added. "It's every day of the week there are people on trolleys."

Labour's amendment was defeated and the Tories' motion carried.

THE improvements which Labour leader Councillor David Barlow claims will substantially improve healthcare services are:

The opening of Minor Injuries Units at Worcester and Kidderminster earlier this month.

More than 20 extra ambulance technicians and paramedics being deployed within the next few days.

The arrival of two high-dependency service vehicles two weeks ago.

Well advanced plans to put 100 extra nurses on wards in Worcester and Redditch.

Recently established free public transport services for patients, relatives and staff between Kidderminster and Worcester.

A vigorous and wide-ranging recruitment drive.

Increased morale among Kidderminster nurses as job security is confirmed and new career opportunities open up.

An extra £1.4m for primary and community care services to alleviate winter bed pressures.