HASLEMERE MP Jeremy Hunt and Guildford MP Anne Milton have secured a meeting with Health Minister Dawn Primarolo to press the case for the Royal Surrey County Hospital getting foundation status. Mr Hunt, MP for South West Surrey, and Mrs Milton will set out to the Minister that financial and clinical evidence shows the hospital is an ideal candidate for foundation status and highlight the Royal Surrey is financially secure with a current surplus of between £5-8 million, clinically outstanding being one of the best performing trusts in terms of mortality and has a consistently strong track record of operational performance. They will argue the prospect of foundation status would be a powerful motivator for staff and help to create momentum within the trust for further clinical and operational change. Speaking, following the news of the meeting, he said: "At last we have the chance to put forward the Royal Surrey's case for 'Foundation' status to someone who really could secure the hospital's long-term future. "It is cards on the table time for the Government – will they put their money where their mouth is and secure the future of the Royal Surrey for the benefit of the people of Guildford and South West Surrey?" Mrs Milton added: "I am delighted that the Minister has agreed to see us. Foundation status for the Royal Surrey is vital for its long-term position; it is in a better financial and clinical position than many other hospitals in the country. This is the direction that is right for the Royal Surrey and local people in Guildford and Waverley."
