MP calls for more details on merger (From Warrington Guardian)

Helen Jones MP calls for more details on merger

12:00pm Sunday 7th October 2012 in News

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has asked for urgent clarification on controversial plans which could see Warrington Hospital merged with Whiston Hospital after a Conservative MP confirmed discussions had taken place.

Anna Soubry MP, parliamentary-under-secretary of state in the department of health, answered a written parliamentary question from Mrs Jones which confirmed the Government was ‘aware’ a partnership had been discussed.

NHS officials had previously denied any discussions had taken place.

Helen Jones MP said: “It is outrageous that people have been misled and that it took a parliamentary question to get to the truth.

“I have been warning about the possible merger of our hospital with Whiston since May last year and I know people are really concerned about plans that could affect our hospital.

“The two NHS groups need to put the full details of what they have discussed so far in the open.”

A hospital spokesman said officials have been ‘clear’ they have not been involved in discussions and the only ‘partnership discussions’ relate to services already shared.

He added: “We’re an open organisation and if any discussions were to take place then we would report that to our public governors’ council meetings and to the wider public."