PRESS RELEASE 2 JUNE 2000 
WORCESTER'S NEW HOSPITAL COSTS - WHOM DO YOU BELIEVE? 
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OR THE WORCESTERSHIRE HEALTH AUTHORITY?

In mistaken and futile attempts to rubbish the damning University College London (UCL) Report on the hospital changes in Worcestershire, the Health Authority states the new hospital is only going to cost £90 - £95 millions. Have they forgotten the Department of Health press release of 22 March 1999? Then with much pomp and ceremony Mr Dobson cut the first sod for the new hospital with a triumphant and trumpeted cost of £116 millions!

UCL using the official full business case for the new hospital quotes the cost at £108 millions, generously discounting the additional £8 millions accounted for by equipment costs and land sales.

Is this is yet another example of Health Authority 'spin' or is it more sinister?