Barnet Health Authority has given its support to the private finance deal to complete Barnet General Hospital.

But the health authority is seeking assurance that it won't have to foot the bill if the Wellhouse Trust fails to resolve its ongoing financial problems.

"We must clearly state that Barnet Health Authority will not subsidise costs attributable to other purchasers, should anticipated income not be achieved by the trust," said chief exectutive of the authority Judy Hargadon, in a letter to prospective lenders.

Under the deal the new hospital at Barnet will be completed by 2001 and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment by a private consortium.

A Barnet Health Authority spokesman added: "We support the principle of Phase 1B and it's for Wellhouse to work it through. We're looking forward to seeing it brought to completion."

Elizabeth Manero, chairman of Barnet's health watchdog the Community Health Council, expressed concern. She said: "We can't allow service providing to be put at risk by the PFI."

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