HC Deb 02 May 1996 vol 276 c1293
16. Mrs. Bridget Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had concerning the financial position of the Ulster, North Down and Ards Hospitals HSS trust; and if he will make a statement. [26390]

Mr. Moss

I met the trust chairman and senior officers on 21 February and took the opportunity to discuss the financial position. The trust has experienced problems in recent years regarding in-year pressures, but it is developing a recovery plan and has to date achieved all of its strategy financial obligations.

Mrs. Prentice

Is the Minister aware that the hospitals feel that they are in financial chaos? Is he further aware that those involved believe that they will no longer be able to carry out any casualty treatment and that all elective surgery is likely to be cancelled? Is it not time that the Minister worked with the hospitals to ensure that financial stability is returned? Those involved believe that this is not a temporary phenomenon and that the Government must take some responsibility.

Mr. Moss

I reiterate that I met the trust chairman and officers on 21 February. On 20 February, I announced a major investment programme at the hospital, totalling some £13.5 million. I do not consider that to be ignoring the hospitals' requirements.