|
|
Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Norman Lamb MP writes: Why we need to keep an open mind on Hinchingbrooke
November 19, 2011 10:45 AM
• [Nov 17] Norman Lamb writes: LAST week's announcement that the management of Hinchingbrooke Hospital would be transferred to Circle Healthcare was always going to be controversial - a hospital with debts approaching £40million, whose situation had become so perilous that it had to be rescued by an external provider. Both Labour and Unison quickly exclaimed against this as 'privatisation,' despite the fact that the Labour Government had initiated the tendering process . .
So let's look at the details of the deal. The transfer is for ten years. After those ten years, the deal lapses and the hospital's management transfers back to the NHS. During that period, Circle will be paid from the Trust's surpluses. If there are no surpluses, Circle doesn't receive a fee. So, they will only be paid if they reduce the huge debt Hinchingbrooke has accrued over the years. The hospital has not been sold. NHS assets will remain fully-owned by the taxpayer. Its staff remain NHS staff, on NHS terms and conditions. And it will continue to treat NHS patients free of charge. Given all of these factors, surely we must be open-minded about who runs things. The critical thing with the NHS is to support the central principle that patients get care when they need it regardless of their ability to pay. The deal with Circle Health guarantees that will continue. Much better, surely, than potential closure.
• Norman Lamb MP writes: Why we need to keep an open mind on Hinchingbrooke [LDV Nov 17]
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats
-
Help out or donate
-
Tell us what you think