South London Healthcare Trust one of seven set to receive £1.5 billion Government bailout (From News Shopper)

South London Healthcare Trust one of seven set to receive £1.5 billion Government bailout

3:15pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Health News By Jim Palmer

SLHT said Queen Mary's Hospital is not at risk

A BAILOUT of £1.5billion is set to be paid by the Government to seven struggling NHS trusts, including South London Healthcare NHS Trust (SLHT) The Department of Health (DoH) will give the money to trusts with ‘serious structural financial issues’ related to paying back Private Finance Initiatives (PFIs).

In order to qualify for the DoH cash, SLHT must prove it faces exceptional difficulties, that the problems are historic and resources will be managed well in the future.

It must also prove it delivers high quality services - including low waiting times - while making savings.

SLHT Patients’ Council member Ron Brewster welcomed the news.

He said: "It could have a big affect on the future of Queen Mary’s Hospital.

"They should come out and say ‘we should be able to get our accounts in order’.

"Various governments have got themselves into this problem because they would not borrow."

Mr Brewster said by easing its financial burden SLHT would find it easier to become a foundation trust.

This means it would have more control over the service it offers and could tailor it to what is needed in the community.

An SLHT spokesman said: "We welcome any help. As a trust we forecast a debt of £69million this financial year, the PFI is £20million.

"There is a lot more to do in terms of productivity.

"It means utilising operation theatres better, it means that as high a proportion of the clinical workforce is spending as much time as possible doing front line care and it means spending less money on temporary staff."

He added: "While we have made excellent recent progress with improved outcomes for our patients, we still have much to do, with plans in place to improve our overall productivity and waiting times performance."

The spokesman reiterated there was no threat to Queen Mary’s Hospital by saying: "We said this clearly, our plans are to keep Queen Mary’s."