The South Glos Post

Nursing staff at the new community hospital planned for Frenchay will not work for the NHS it has emerged, prompting claims from Labour councillors that Frenchay is being “part-privatised”.

At a meeting of South Gloucestershire Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, bosses from North Bristol Trust (NBT) who currently run Frenchay said that they do not see themselves as running the new community hospital when it opens in 2014. Instead they intend to put the running of the hospital out to tender and confirmed that the successful bidder would also be expected to provide the nurses to look after the 68 patients undergoing rehabilitation that the new hospital will cater for.

Speaking after the meeting, Labour’s spokesperson on Health, Cllr Ian Scott (Labour, Filton), said;

“This revelation came completely out of the blue. I don’t think anyone ever expected that the new community hospital at Frenchay would not stay entirely within the NHS. It goes to show that the NHS is clearly not safe in the hands of a Tory government.”

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Source: Labour Councillors on South Gloucestershire Council

Police are appealing for the publics help to find a man who has been missing since Sunday morning (January 31).

Paul Edwards, who is 53, went missing from Frenchay Hospital after receiving treatment.

Sergeant Richard Ocone said: “Both the police and Mr Edwards’s family are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare as he requires further medical treatment.

“I would urge members of the public to be vigilant and look out for Mr Edwards and call police if they spot him. I would also urge Mr Edwards to make contact with his family or police and let us know he is safe and well.”

Paul Edwards is described as a white, large, stocky man, and around 5ft 8 inches tall. He is believed to wearing a green coat, pale stonewashed jeans and trainers.

He is also believed to have been wearing a red hat and may appear confused.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Staple Hill Police on 0845 456 7000.

Source: Avon and Somerset Police