Hospital chief's "takeover" warning

9:39pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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BUCKINGHAMSHIRE'S hospitals could be run from outside the county unless new plans are approved, an NHS warned tonight.

Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust risked takeover from neighbouring authorities unless it became a foundation trust, said its chief executive Anne Eden.

If its did not become a foundation trust through Government approval then other trusts who had the status could assume control, she warned at a public meeting on the plans.

As a foundation the trust would have a minimum 8,000 residents and 4,000 staff as "members" who could have a greater say over how the authority operates, she said.

But many at the Wycombe Hospital meeting were sceptical of the change as thousands of views had been "ignored" over controversial changes to A&E and birthing services.

Ms Eden told the meeting: "There is two ways we can become a foundation trust. One is we put together a plan, we go through the process and get foundation trust status.

"If we are unable to do that there is a risk that we will be taken over, merged or acquired by another foundation trust."

The risk of take over by Oxford or Wexham Park trusts was "real" she said - but there was "no reason" why BHT's application could not be successful.

After a presentation by Ms Eden about the plans about a dozen questions were taken from the audience of about 30 residents.

Mary Mitchell, 62, of Barn Hill Road, Marlow drew attention to a 40,000-name petition opposing the service changes, agreed in 2005.

She said: "What guarantees have we got that you will take notice of the 10,000 who are your members?"

Trust medical director Dr Graz Luzzi said he understood the "strength of feeling" but said views in that consultation were taken on board.

He said: "Ultimately we needed to make sure we have a long-term plan for excellent services for the population of Buckinghamshire that can take us into the future."

Although asked to keep questions to the foundation trust issue concerns about the hospital came to the fore.

One asked about plans to knock down the hospital's 1960s "tower block" and sell off half the site. Services would be housed on a car park, the trust has said.

Ms Eden said this would "replace the tower block with modern, comfortable facilities that are much more fit for purpose for care I 208 rather than 1966".

Another audience member said parking at the site was a "disgrace" - Ms Eden said it was essential for this to be solved to attract patients who can now choose other hospitals.