Hammersmith & Fulham MP, Greg Hands was outraged to learn this week that the three largest local hospitals could have their gas supplies cut off with just four hours notice in the event of a shortage.
Many predict that the expected cold winter could result in a loss of gas supply to certain areas if demand is too high. The Department of Health has admitted that more than 100 hospitals in Britain have ‘Interruptable’ gas contracts with Transco which would allow the supply to be cut off in certain circumstances.
The hospitals include Charing Cross, Hammersmith and Chelsea & Westminster, all of which provide important services to vast numbers of Hammersmith & Fulham residents.
He said: “I find it quite unbelievable that our local hospitals could have their gas supply cut off at just four hours notice. The local Hospitals Trusts should never have been allowed to agree to such contracts.
“I would like to know what the hospitals intend to do in the event of a cut off as the effect would be disastrous. This appears to be another cost cutting measure by the Government who have agreed to cheaper contracts in the hope that the worst case scenario will never arise. However, we are now being warned to expect a loss in gas supply around the country should the winter be particularly harsh.”
Greg added: “The Department of Health say that contingency measures should be in place but claim no responsibility for ensuring that they exist. It is outrageous that central Government is agreeing to these terms and then just hoping that the individual sites are ready to act when the gas runs out.”
December 4, 2005
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