FORMER cabinet minister John Gummer is today preparing to do battle with Suffolk's new Primary Care Trust over its decision to move to a new headquarters at Bramford.

FORMER cabinet minister John Gummer is today preparing to do battle with Suffolk's new Primary Care Trust over its decision to move to a new headquarters at Bramford.

The Suffolk Coastal MP slammed the decision and demanded answers from the trust over the cost of the move and why the PCT was unable to use buildings it already owned.

Mr Gummer claimed:

The health service's financial record in Suffolk was so poor it was unable to trust their decision-making skills

It was difficult to trust an organisation which he said had changed its story so often on key financial matters

The decision to move to offices in the countryside, away from public transport routes, was unsustainable and would inevitably put more cars on the county's roads

Mr Gummer told The Evening Star: “I don't see why there is any reason why they should keep the financial details secret.

“They have been so bad in their previous financial dealings and there is so little confidence in them that they have to be fully open.

“The health service in Suffolk does seem to have difficulty in adding up!”

He said there was a serious question of trust as well.

“One of the reasons I want to see these figures is because it has not been easy to get direct answers in the past and I want to know the situation for myself,” he said.

And the former environment secretary in the last Conservative government was angered by the location of the new headquarters in Paper Mill Lane, Bramford.

Critics have claimed that Rushbrook House's location away from public transport will cause difficulties for staff and the PCT has even suggested it may have to provide a shuttle bus.

Mr Gummer said: “An organisation dealing with health should be looking at a sustainable solution - to allow as many of its staff as possible to reach work either on public transport or by walking.

“By going for a headquarters in the countryside away from bus routes, they have totally ignored this.

“We all know what will happen if they run their own minibus. All those staff who are can will drive themselves to work in an unsustainable way.”

Weblink: www.suffolkeast.nhs.uk