South London Healthcare Trust

Oral Answers to Questions — Health – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 16 July 2013.

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Photo of Heidi Alexander Heidi Alexander Opposition Whip (Commons) 11:30, 16 July 2013

What recent progress his Department has made on negotiations with acute providers on the capital and revenue costs of implementing the recommendations of the special administrator of the South London Healthcare NHS Trust.

Photo of Anna Soubry Anna Soubry The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health

Decisions on funding for each individual hospital are being worked through as part of the implementation planning process, in collaboration with the Department, to ensure value for money for the taxpayer. Decisions need to ensure that capacity is available in the right place and that quality and safety are maintained.

Photo of Heidi Alexander Heidi Alexander Opposition Whip (Commons)

Is it true that King’s College hospital wants £109 million in capital funding alone to cover changes at the Denmark Hill site and at the Princess Royal hospital, given that in January the Secretary of State announced £73 million of additional investment for all the other hospitals in south-east London to deal with displaced patients from Lewisham? Will the Minister explain where the money is coming from? Will she also tell us whether all this will be centrally funded, or whether local commissioners will be asked to pick up the tab?

Photo of Anna Soubry Anna Soubry The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health

What I can say is that it will be centrally funded, but as to the other detail in the hon. Lady’s question, I will have to write to her with those answers. As ever, my door is open and I am more than happy to meet her to discuss it further.

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