§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions there were between Government press officers and trust managers and medical directors of the Whittington hospital between 16 and 23 January; and whether the Medical Director's statement was(a) shown to, (b) amended by and (c) discussed with Government press officers. [31140]
§ Mr. HuttonDepartmental officials routinely discuss management issues with staff at national health service trusts. These discussions can from time to time include issues that have been reported in the news media. Between 16 and 23 January, department of health press officers, as well as other officials, discussed with the trust's chief executive, but not its medical director, several stories that had appeared about the Whittington hospital in theEvening Standard. When it became clear that the staff at the Whittington had responded to these stories by writing to that newspaper, the Department's press office asked for a copy of their letter. At no time was the Department's press office's approval of, or assistance with, that letter either sought or offered; and nor was there any discussion between Departmental officials and the medical director of the Whittington Hospital NHS Trust about any of his public statements about media reporting of the trust.
§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will respond to the question from the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr. Gibb) of 24 January Ref 31140 regarding the Whittington hospital. [35543]
§ Mr. HuttonI refer to the hon. Member to my previous answer.