The local Labour group has weighed in on the debate about plans to reform the delivery of local community care in B&NES, following the CCG’s decision to choose Virgin Care over the consortium currently led by Sirona.

It looks increasingly likely that Virgin Care will be awarded a £500 million publicly funded contract in order to deliver local community care services. However, the controversial decision to award a large contract to the private company has triggered division in B&NES, with many arguing that it is another step towards the privatisation of the NHS.

Labour’s Councillor Robin Moss said that he had concerns about the decision and highlighted that more outsourcing of services meant that it was harder for elected representatives to hold decision makers to account. Councillor Moss put questions to the Conservative-led administration cabinet meeting.

He commented: “As politicians, we need to find ways to keep improving health services, so that we get the best value for money. Our local residents deserve high quality health care and we have a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer’s money is being well spent. As we move forward in the next three months, Labour will be ensuring there is robust scrutiny. In particular, we are keen to know what parts of the currently delivered services will be continued and which will be lost. We are also keen to see details of the independent research and consultation that prompted health bosses to opt for Virgin Care as their preferred choice for this multi-million pound contract.”