news story

25th October 2007

PM Refuses Frenchay Appeal

Click here to read the exchange in Hansard

Click here for Steve Webb's blog entry on the issue

Northavon MP Steve Webb yesterday challenged Prime Minister Gordon Brown in the House of Commons over the future of Frenchay Hospital. 

The local MP asked during Prime Minister's Questions for a review of the Government's 'reconfiguration' decision to downgrade the hospital and transfer the bulk of its services to Southmead.

A review was turned down by the previous Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, but her successor Alan Johnson announced recently that he would routinely allow an independent review of such decisions if local communities raised concerns.

However, when challenged by Mr Webb, the Prime Minister said that the Frenchay situation was not eligible because the reconfiguration decision was made before the rules were changed.

Commenting afterwards, Steve Webb said:

"It is ludicrous that the only way to secure an independent review questioning the Government's decision on the future of Frenchay is with the Government's say so.

"They are saying that because they think they are right, we can't have a review.

"A review would lance the boil.  People would be willing to accept its decision, but we cannot get the Government to agree to one."