Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to today’s announcement from Circle on Hinchingbrooke Hospital, said:

“Patients who rely on Hinchingbrooke will be worried about their hospital following this announcement and Ministers must provide urgent reassurance and set out a plan to ensure the continuity of services at the hospital in this uncertain time.

“It was the decision of the Coalition in November 2011 to appoint Circle and they must take responsibility for this mess.

“The Government were explicitly warned two years ago about the risky business model Circle were operating, but failed to take any action. Given that these risks were known at the outset, Ministers must explain why they judged Circle a safe choice to run this hospital. They must also set out today how long they have known about the problems at Hinchingbrooke.”