As you will know, the George Eliot Hospital has been undergoing a process recently to secure its long-term future. I am delighted to say that the outcome of the tender process is that the Hospital will continue to work with the University Hospital Birmingham (UHB.)

This is great news. For some time I have advocated that out of this process we must get the best outcome for patients, who must always come first.

The hospital being put into special measurers was a turning point, because the situation at the Eliot has changed dramatically for the better since the involvement of UHB, and for some time I have been concerned that any bidder for the Eliot must be able to better the solution we have with UHB.

Dan Byles and I have said this to the Trust Development Agency and the Department for Health over a number of months and I am delighted that we have been listened to.

I have no doubt that the GEH can now move forward with the excellent UHB to continue the improvement in our hospital, for local patients.

The Chief Executive of the NHS Trust Development Authority, David Flory, has said: “The Trust has shown real improvement since being placed in special measures and partnering with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Although there is clearly a great deal of work still to do, the TDA believes the Trust are best placed to do that by continuing the existing arrangements rather than pursuing a strategic partner organisation.”