Sack Lothian PFI contractor says UNISON

UNISON Scotland has called for Consort PFI contactor to be sacked from Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary after a patient had to be sewn up by torchlight when workers power was cut at two theatres - the latest in a catalogue of failures. http://www.scotsman.com/news/health/eri-surgeon-forced-to-operate-by-torchlight-1-2242627

NHS Lothian said it was taking legal advice over its contract with the private company that runs the hospital.

UNISON Lothian Health Branch Secretary Tam Waterson Said: “We’re glad the penny has finally dropped for Lothian Health about PFI. It’s just a pity that hundreds of millions of other pennies had to drop into Consort’s pockets before they realised. “The Board say consort’s failings can no longer be tolerated. It’s taken them over a decade - but we are delighted that they have come round to our way of thinking. http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/2012/marapr/2004.htm

Consort are due to receive £1.26 Billion pounds over the course of the ERI contract (after which they not Lothian health board will own the building). The capital cost of the hospital was £184m The value of this contract was first exposed by UNISON in 2003 http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/briefings/pfiaug03.html#4