BOLTON’S Green Party have backed with unions in their criticism of Healthier Together.

Alan Johnson, leader of the Green Party in Bolton, hit out at the review yesterday — arguing the consultation was about cuts and not about improving services.

Mr Johnson said: “Our view nationally and locally is that we are opposed to the Government’s proposals on the NHS along with the Healthier Together review.

“We want the best health service provision for Bolton but it is wrong to pit Wigan and Bolton against each other in this way.

“Services in Greater Manchester should not be put in competition. There will be no winners, only losers.

“This whole exercise is about saving money and not improving services. Every town and city should have a local hospital.

“We are the sixth richest country in the world. We can afford to provide good health services.”

Mr Johnson’s comments come after union chiefs slammed the Healthier Together consultation, which is waiting to be approved by NHS England.

Leaders of the Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and UKIP groups in Bolton have all backed the Royal Bolton’s bid to become a “super” hospital.

Healthier Together — who say the restructure could save up to 1,000 lives every five years — is proposing to give five hospitals in Greater Manchester specialist status.

All hospitals across Greater Manchester will operate as part of a “single service” where two local hospitals will share services with a specialist hospital.