Laundry switch plans criticised

The trust said laundry staff and unions were being kept informed

About 50 jobs could be lost in Cornwall following proposals to hand hospital laundry services to a private company.

Local MP Dan Rogerson has criticised plans by the Cornwall Partnership Trust to relocate laundry services from Bodmin to Bristol.

He said moving the work not only put local jobs under threat but lorry journeys to transport laundry would not be good for the environment.

The trust said no final decision has yet been taken.

Lezli Boswell, chief executive of the trust, said a review of the hospital laundry and linen service had highlighted the condition and performance of the existing equipment used in Bodmin needed to be significantly improved and a tendering exercise has been undertaken.

Money saving

"Staff and trade unions have been fully informed and involved in the process, including the potential for a new provider to be identified," she said in a statement.

"A proposal regarding the future provision of laundry services will be discussed by the various NHS Trust Boards and is subject to their approval."

But Mr Rogerson described the planned move as "an absurd affront to common sense".

He said: "The NHS will save money by making this change but it will do nothing either for the community or for the environment.

"Hardworking people are to be put out of a job and local laundry is set to go trundling around the country in big lorries when it could be dealt with here in Cornwall."

In January, the new boss of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust ruled out widespread job cuts as a way to balance its £45m budget deficit.