The future of the Trust which runs the Bromley hospital is causing much debate among MPs

»Bromley’s MPs are split over calls for the dismantling of South London Healthcare Trust which manages the town’s hospital.

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Old Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire, who is also crime prevention minister, called for the dismantling of the trust together with Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett after it was revealed it is still millions of pounds in debt.

The trust was formed on April 1, 2009, when trusts which managed Princess Royal Hospital in Farnborough merged with those running Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in a bid to save money.

MP for Orpington Jo Johnson said: “It’s quite legitimate for stakeholders to explore ways to create a ‘campus’ for healthcare services at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, so it has a viable future providing an extended range of services.” Accounts revealed that the three hospitals are still £45,851,000 in debt – a reduction of £42,954,000 on last year.

However, Beckenham MP Bob Stewart, who spent two hours on Monday in talks with the trust’s chief executive, Dr Chris Streather, said: “I am undecided about what the trust’s future should be. I am not trying to make political points. I always err on the side of evolution, not revolution. We have to see what the government’s NHS proposals will be as these are likely to change.”

Progress

A trust spokesman said: “The rate of savings last year was the highest for any NHS trust in London. Our progress on hospital acquired infection and reducing mortality stands comparison with the best in the country. It would be a profoundly retrograde step to take attention away from these priorities with a further reorganisation.

“We have firm plans to make the necessary improvements to productivity, such as making sure patients are not spending time in hospital once they are medically fit to be discharged.”

Bromley and Chislehurst MP Bob Neill refused to comment.