Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress has been made in achieving safety in hospitals in special measures.

Trusts placed in special measures receive tailored support to address their problems. I am pleased to report that seven trusts out of 21 trusts have now exited the regime, having demonstrated sustainable improvements in safety and quality of care.

In the case of Basildon, I understand that Monitor is working with the Trust to help ensure it returns to a stable financial footing, so that the people of Basildon and Thurrock can receive quality healthcare services on a sustainable basis.