Hinchingbrooke Hospital

Chris Ruane Excerpts

Thursday 10th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Burns]

I am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend for that measured contribution. The most important thing must be providing world-class, quality care for patients, not only in the Hinchingbrooke area but throughout the NHS across the country. I am confident that this deal does that, working with the NHS within the NHS, but with a management provided by Circle to do just that.

[Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab)]

Can the Minister guarantee that the terms and conditions of current and new staff will be guaranteed by the private sector company, and that it will not go for the easy option of cutting terms and conditions?

[Mr Burns]

With respect, I do not think the hon. Gentleman fully understands what I have said. I said that the status of staff at the hospital will not change in any way. They will continue to be NHS-employed staff working for the NHS as they did yesterday and as they will from the day the project starts working.

[Chris Ruane]

So that is yes?

[Mr Burns]

It is, indeed.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Burns]

I have to say that I am disappointed by the hon. Lady’s question.

[Chris Ruane]

You are very condescending.

[Mr Burns]

I am not. I am just being honest. If there is a loss, Circle will pick it up, up to the first £5 million. Hinchingbrooke is a struggling hospital with a deficit of £39 million. That is why we are having to take the actions that the Government that the hon. Gentleman supported instigated more than three years ago. There is a formula that gives an incentive for Circle to deliver, to raise the quality of care, to reduce and, we hope, over the 10-year period to remove the deficit altogether.