News released yesterday by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust has sparked a fierce debate amongst Islanders.
The release revealed the first 50:50 joint venture partnership with a private sector partner, a company called Ryhurst who would helping “deliver a wide-ranging estates strategy”.
Scrutiny sub-committee not informed
Labour Councillor Geoff Lumley has been in touch with OnTheWight advising that he’ll be seeking a special meeting of the Isle of Wight Council’s Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee, chaired by Cllr Bob Blezzard, in response to the announcement.
Cllr Lumley said,
“Given the only accountability of our NHS Trust locally is to this sub-committee – limited though that is – I am concerned that their representatives failed to mention this disturbing development at the sub-committee meeting last Monday 10 November, when they are expected to give us a general update.
“I have asked Bob to convene a special meeting of the sub-committee so that elected representatives can quiz the Trust managers as to precisely what this is all about.
“I doubt very much that Islanders will share the Trust leaderships’ enthusiasm for this privatisation.”
Residents are welcome to attend the IW NHS Trust Board meetings. The next meeting takes place on 3rd December from 9.30am in the Conference Room, Level B at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport.
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