NHS: Hinchingbrooke Hospital

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff Excerpts

Thursday 10th November 2011 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, we do not envisage any other solution of this kind in any other trust. Of course, close monitoring will be necessary, and the contract with Circle is very clear in this instance—it has to perform according to the specification. As I said earlier, if it does not turn the hospital around, the financial risk up to £5 million of deficit, cumulatively, lies with it. I believe that this is extremely advantageous for the taxpayer. On the clinical side, of course the CQC will be extremely concerned to ensure that quality of care is not just turned round but significantly improved.

[Baroness Finlay of Llandaff]

My Lords, can the Minister tell us how often Circle is reporting to the CQC on the clinical outcomes, given that there have been clinical problems at this hospital, how often it is reporting on the financial turnaround and to whom it is reporting?

[Earl Howe]

No, I cannot, but I shall write to the noble Baroness.