Kingston Hospital's £1.6million plan for a private company to run its elective care is the only way to combat falling numbers of patients, according to the hospital's chief executive Carole Heatly.

Talking at a public roadshow about the change, she said that turning to the private sector was the best way for the hospital to increase the quantity of its elective care - a necessary safeguard against losing its training status.

She said: "The private sector is much better at developing efficiencies than the NHS."

If the 10-year deal is brokered, a private company will take control of the hospital's new surgical centre, day unit and eye unit.

It would also be put in charge of the hospital's small private ward, Coombe Wing, which it might be able to extend, with profits shared between the hospital and the private company.

The exact split of profits has not not yet been finalised but Ms Heatly said the hospital's share would be re-invested in the NHS.

Ms Heatly said: "At the moment, there are about 24 beds there - but much more can be made of that ward and every penny made will go back to Kingston Hospital."

It is also hoped that the company would expand the hospital's catchment area, making the most of the patient's power to choose a hospital, by marketing its services to GPs and potential patients.

Staffing arrangements have not yet been fully negotiated. Staff would remain employed by the NHS for at least two years but they would be seconded to the private company, who would manage them.

Ms Heatly said that, after two years, staff may be able to choose to be employed by the private company and that in similar set ups across the country, many staff had chosen this option.

But the public roadshows have done little to win over trade unions and staff who remain worried about the uncertainty of the plans.

Nora Pearce, hospital midwife and Unison representative, said: "The hospital has always said its most valuable asset is the staff. Now what are they doing? Selling their most valuable commodity."

The final roadshow is from 7pm to 8pm tonight at Hook and Chessington library, Hook Road, Chessington.

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