Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Bridges (Crossbench). It was answered on Monday, 31 October 2005.

Hospital Closures: Sudbury, Suffolk

Question: My Lords, will the noble Baroness explain something about the conduct of the Department of Health of the crises in Suffolk hospitals in the past year? According to the local newspapers, it has been evident for over a year now that the hospitals have been running at a deficit and presumably with the knowledge of the department—although that is not clear—running up heavy debts with the local banks? Is she further aware that the proposal to sell community hospitals that were paid for by public subscription in the last century to meet that deficit is causing a great deal of disturbance in the locality?

Answer: My Lords, I am aware of the disturbance and the unrest that is taking place. Of course my department is very well aware of the financial situation at the PCTs in question. All those things are being discussed and properly considered.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 675 c5
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Closures Hospitals Walnuttree Hospital St Leonard's Hospital Sudbury
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk