ST HELIER BOSSES PROMISE CONTINGENCY PLAN TO SECURE FUTURE OF HOSPITAL RADIO

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Jul 2008

Sutton and Cheam MP, Paul Burstow, has welcomed a promise by St Helier Chief Executive to draft a contingency plan to make sure that patients do not lose access to telephones, TV and radio in the event that the company supplying those services ceases to trade.

The local MP raised concerns with the Epsom and St Helier Trust as a result of reports that the company PatientLine had seen a massive fall in its share price and was experiencing trading difficulties with its future in the hands of its bankers. PatientLine provides telecommunications infrastructure in a large number of NHS hospitals across the country.

Paul Burstow MP said, "PatientLine footed the bill for installing its system in hospitals up and down the land in return for an exclusive 15 year contract. But the company has struggled to recoup its investment. The concern I flagged with St Helier was what contingency arrangements they had in place.

"I am delighted that my question has produced such a positive response and that a contingency plan is being drawn up to safeguard services and ensure that Radio St Helier stays on their air."