HC Deb 09 December 1997 vol 302 c538W
29. Ms Ward

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the management and finances of(a) Mount Vernon and Watford Hospitals Trust and (b) West Hertfordshire health authority. [18258]

Mr. Milburn

The health authority and trusts in West Hertfordshire face an underlying recurrent deficit of £12.5 million. A discussion document has been issued for local comment, prior to formal consultation in the spring, on options to restore financial balance within the next 2–3 years. The authority has been awarded an additional £9 million in 1998–99 of which £3 million is growth money.

The Mount Vernon and Watford Hospitals National Health Service Trust is currently facing financial constraints but a financial recovery plan has been agreed with the NHS Executive, North Thames Regional Office to restore financial balance over the next 2–3 years.