MP Gets Briefing on NHS Future for Local Hospitals
22nd July 2010
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today backed Worcestershire NHS plans to consult with the public about proposed re-organisations.
Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley last week set out plans to remove layers of bureaucracy in the NHS, which will see up to £20 billion of efficiency savings by 2014, all of which will be re-invested in patient care.
And following the announcement of these plans, Harriett has held a series of meetings with senior NHS chiefs to discuss the impact of the White Paper on local people.
Harriett said: “I was pleased to get a chance to meet with the Chairman and Chief Executive of NHS Worcestershire, the Chief Executive of the Mental Health Trust and the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority Chairman and Chief Executive.
“From my discussions I have been told that that Tenbury’s Community Hospital and the Malvern Hospital will remain NHS property and Pershore Community Hospital will remain Wychavon’s property.
“The proposed dissolution of the Mental Health Trust has been abandoned and Community Hospitals will be required to join a Foundation Trust or Trusts.
“Following these meetings I wanted to state that I support NHS Worcestershire’s plans to spend the summer asking patients, staff and GPs for their preferences with regard to the County’s healthcare.
“One of the topics for dialogue will be the best way to structure a Trust which operates the community hospitals in the county. I have tabled a parliamentary question for the Secretary of State to ask whether all the members of the boards of trusts are required to be paid.
“I am confident that the professional management of the NHS in Worcestershire will work closely with the 2,500 staff involved, with GPs and with patient representatives and locally elected representatives to manage a 45 per cent reduction in the bureaucratic cost of the NHS over the next 3 years.”
