THE leader of Swindon Borough Council says he is open to discussing ways of helping the Great Western Hospital in its efforts to renegotiate its financially crippling PFI contract.

In 2003 the hospital was build under a private finance initiative (PFI) deal, with private contractors paid to carry out the work.

However, this has left the GWH Trust paying back millions every year, which bosses said this week was having an impact on patient care.

It is costing the hospital £18 million a year, with a huge amount going on interest payments. There is around £234 million still to pay on the deal while Carillion run parts of the hospital such as catering which limits how much income chiefs can generate themselves.

Between now and 2018 it is possible to renegotiate parts of the deal and calls have been make sure changes are brought in.

A spokesman for the hospital said: “We have a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement with Semperian, which owns the Great Western Hospital. This gives us a good modern hospital, but is also an expensive mortgage.

“Over recent months, we have been proactively looking at opportunities to ensure we get the best value for money for taxpayers and we’re confident that we will have some positive options to explore next year.

"However, any final decisions relating to our PFI agreement will first need to be approved by the Treasury.”

While all parties admit it will difficult, there is a precedent as Hexham General Hospital renegotiated its PFI deal last year, with help from the local authority.

Councillor David Renard (Con, Haydon Wick) says the council have held initial discussions with the hospital of ways to help them.

He said: “We have been having conversations and exploring options but it is early days. If there is a win-win for both the council and hospital then we can look at it.

“We are both serving the patients of Swindon so we are working together to deliver the best outcome.”

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has offered what support he can and said it is vital changes are made.

The Solicitor General said: “This is unfinished business. The current deal is absolutely unsustainable. During the election this was an issue which came up a number of times.

“It is not going to be easy but it is something we must do. Paying £18 million a year is hurting the hospital and what we all want is to see the money directed towards patient care.”