§ Mr. HobanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress of franchising the management of those hospitals with zero stars. [64326]
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§ Mr. HuttonFive zero-rated national health service trusts appointed new chief executives under franchise arrangements in May and June. The hospital trusts concerned are: Dartford and Gravesham National Health Service Trust, Ashford and St. Peters Hospital National Health Service Trust, Portsmouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals National Health Service Trust, and University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust.
A sixth trust, East and North Hertfordshire National Health Service Trust is in the process of being franchised. The remaining six hospital trusts which received a zero-star rating in September 2001 have been making progress under existing management arrangements and continue to be monitored closely.