§ Mr. Sackvilleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether agreement has been reached on the transfer of the Mildway mission hospital Shoreditch, to the hospital's league of friends; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes. In May 1984 the principle of leasing the hospital to the league of friends on a concessionary basis was agreed, subject to the fulfilment of a number of conditions relating to use and assurances of adequate financial support. The North-East Thames regional health authority has negotiated with the league of friends on our behalf and we are satisfied that the conditions and assurances sought have been met. We have therefore agreed to lease the hospital to the friends on a long-term basis at a peppercorn rent.
The hospital will be run in accordance with the original Christian objectives for which it was established last century. It will provide a range of services, including nursing home beds, GP beds and day facilities for the elderly. It will, I believe, complement NHS services in Shoreditch in the same way as other voluntary or religious foundations have complemented the work of the National Health Service since its inception. We wish the Mildmay well in its new role.