HC Deb 16 May 1995 vol 260 c133
1. Dr. Goodson-Wickes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent consultations she has had concerning the provision of hospitals in south-west London. [22851]

The Minister for Health (Mr. Gerald Malone)

Local health authorities, national health service trusts and general practitioners in south-west London are considering the future provision of hospital services in the area.

Dr. Goodson-Wickes

Does my hon. Friend accept that although the London borough of Merton does not have a general hospital within its boundaries, thanks to Government reforms it already has unrivalled access to three excellent national health service hospitals, St. George's hospital, St. Helier hospital and Kingston hospital? Does he agree that the picture would be completed by the exciting new plans to rebuild the Nelson hospital in Wimbledon, so that my constituents can have access to the highest quality day surgery and out-patient care?

Mr. Malone

My hon. Friend has been a staunch advocate of that proposal. It is intended that the review of specialist services, which is under way, will improve services across the area that serves my hon. Friend's constituency. I am sure that his points will be borne in mind by all concerned.

Mr. Nicholas Brown

As London has half the number of health centres per person of other major cities in England and fewer GPs, health visitors and district nurses than it had in 1990, and as there has been a decrease of 2 per cent. in the number of GPs per head of the population in inner London in the past decade, how can the Minister claim to be presiding over a shift from hospital services to primary care? Surely he is getting rid of beds without providing alternative services.

Mr. Malone

As it is essential to provide excellent health care in London, combine specialist services, improve primary care and continue the Government's investment in primary care, such as the £210 million investment in the London implementation zone scheme, why do the hon. Gentleman and his party want to stop all that in its tracks and call for yet another review?

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