PM visit to City

The money is desperately needed to expand the unit’s overstretched facilities as it now deals with 70,000 patients a year – double the number for which it was designed. Mr Blair is expected to talk to bosses, staff and patients during the visit. It is not yet known if Swansea NHS trust’s inherited £4.2million debts will be discussed. Mr. Blair is also hoping to take in Saturday’s football game between high riding Swansea City and fellow promotion seekers Peterborough. “I have always been a keen football supporter and have given the invitation a lot of thought. I’ve been told the supporters of Swansea are the noisiest in Britain and would hate to miss the opportunity to here them in full voice”. Mike Lewis, who’s idea it was to invite the Prime Minister said, “Of course we would love to have him as our guest for the day, it would be an honour. We could introduce him to our crazy Mascot who I think everyone one in Britain by now knows. Also, he could meet Cyril the Swan after he’s finished talking to John Hollins”. Source: South Wales Evening Post, 06/04/2000.