ABBOTTS SECURES COMMITMENT ON BROMLEY PATIENT SERVICES

12.24.11pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Jun 2006

Ben Abbotts with Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive John Watkinson

Councillor Ben Abbotts, Liberal Democrat candidate in the Bromley and Chislehurst by-election, has secured a pledge from local NHS managers that patient services will not be affected by the move towards Foundation Hospital status.

At a meeting with Senior Trust managers last night, Ben raised the concerns of local people that the drive towards Foundation Hospital status could lead to cuts in the services offered to patients.

"The move towards Foundation Hospital status brings with it huge burdens," said Cllr Ben Abbotts. "In some cases this has led to Trusts hoarding money rather than spending it on patients. I wanted to make sure that services in Bromley would not suffer in this way."

"I am delighted that Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive John Watkinson was able to assure me that they are not considering cutting any services in the move towards Foundation Hospital status. I will be keeping in touch with the Trust to ensure that this situation does not change."

"I am concerned that Queen Mary Hospital in Sidcup, which serves many local residents, has had to cut large numbers of staff in order to make ends meet."