To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the statement of 30 November 2009, Official Report, column 855, on hospital trusts: Essex, (1) what the expected future role is of the tier of clinical leadership replaced by the new clinical leadership; what the cost of the former clinical leadership will be in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement; (308073)

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked the chairman of Monitor (the statutory name of which is the Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts) to write to my hon. Friend and he will do so shortly. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the statement of 30 November 2009, Official Report, column 855, on hospital trusts: Essex, what regular updates on progress he plans to provide to the House on improving care standards; how often he will provide them; and if he will make a statement. (308075)

As I stated in the House on 30 November, I will provide updates on the improvements at Basildon and Thurrock University NHS Foundation Trust as soon as I am updated by Monitor.

Monitor has indicated to me that its board will review the trust's progress every month and it will explicitly consider, and then take, whatever action is necessary to ensure that performance at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust improves on a sustainable and measurable basis.