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MPs debate hospital closure power Hospitals: MPs debate greater closure powers
(about 2 hours later)
MPs are set to debate a controversial measure which would give the Health Secretary the power to impose the closure of local hospital services. MPs are set to debate a controversial measure which would give ministers sweeping powers to close hospitals.
Clause 119 of the Care Bill would allow administrators to take over any NHS trust that was failing financially. Clause 119 of the Care Bill would allow administrators appointed to oversee NHS trusts in England that are struggling financially to make decisions over the future of neighbouring trusts as well.
The measure, which would apply to England, is the government's response to a court ruling last year. The measure is the government's response to a court ruling last year.
It said ministers acted illegally in proposing a downgrading of maternity and A&E services at Lewisham hospital.It said ministers acted illegally in proposing a downgrading of maternity and A&E services at Lewisham hospital.
Clause 119Clause 119
The measure would allow Trust Special Administrators, appointed by the Health Secretary in England, to take over any NHS trust that is failing financially and push through whatever other local changes they think are necessary.The measure would allow Trust Special Administrators, appointed by the Health Secretary in England, to take over any NHS trust that is failing financially and push through whatever other local changes they think are necessary.
Last year a court ruled that Jeremy Hunt had acted illegally when he tried to do just this - by approving the closure of services in one south-east London trust to save a neighbouring trust that was going bust.Last year a court ruled that Jeremy Hunt had acted illegally when he tried to do just this - by approving the closure of services in one south-east London trust to save a neighbouring trust that was going bust.
Ministers argue that patient care can be affected by what happens in neighbouring NHS hospitals, so it makes sense to consider the wider local health economy.Ministers argue that patient care can be affected by what happens in neighbouring NHS hospitals, so it makes sense to consider the wider local health economy.
And they insist the Trust Special Administrator will have to consult the public, commissioners and staff - including clinicians of the trust in difficulty and other affected trusts - to make sure their recommendations deliver the best possible care for patients, wherever they live.And they insist the Trust Special Administrator will have to consult the public, commissioners and staff - including clinicians of the trust in difficulty and other affected trusts - to make sure their recommendations deliver the best possible care for patients, wherever they live.
But unions and patient groups have campaigned against the measure arguing it will mean hospitals could be closed with minimal local consultation - and the legislation may have an impact on hospital services across England.But unions and patient groups have campaigned against the measure arguing it will mean hospitals could be closed with minimal local consultation - and the legislation may have an impact on hospital services across England.
The Labour Party, which is opposing the measure, says services at dozens of otherwise financially sound hospitals could be put at risk.The Labour Party, which is opposing the measure, says services at dozens of otherwise financially sound hospitals could be put at risk.
Labour have tabled two amendments to the clause, one to delete it altogether and another one will still allow local service providers to have a say in the running of their local NHS services. Labour have tabled two amendments to the clause, one to delete it altogether and another whichwill still allow local service providers to have a say in the running of their local NHS services.