§ 10. Dr. Julian Lewis (New Forest, East)If he will make a statement on the future of the Lymington community hospital. [26369]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Ms Hazel Blears)New Forest primary care trust, which manages Lymington hospital, is developing proposals for a new hospital and plans to submit its outline business case to the NHS regional office next month.
§ Dr. LewisI thank the Minister for that reply, although it is slightly uninformative. The existing health authority is to be wound up at the end of March, and replaced by a new strategic health authority. Is the hon. Lady aware of the New Forest primary care trust's concern that there is 741 a risk that the funding allocated for the new hospital under the existing health authority might not be carried forward as a commitment by the new health authority? The trust is also worried that what might be termed planning blight will add to the hold-ups that have bedevilled the project for so many years. Can the Minister give a reassurance that the New Forest will not lose out in funding and suffer further delays as a result of the changeover to the new health authority?
§ Ms BlearsI am aware that it has taken time for the project to reach fruition, but I am delighted at another example of delivery. I am aware also of how much the hon. Gentleman's constituents will value that facility. I am happy to reassure the hon. Gentleman that the matter has been brought to my attention and that I will follow it through. The plans are well advanced for 113 beds, two theatres, an endoscopy suite, outpatient services, X-ray facilities, dental services, pharmacy and pathology. It will be a wonderful enhancement to the hon. Gentleman's community and I hope that this Government will be able to deliver it.
§ Dr. Liam Fox (Woodspring)What will be the implications for Lymington hospital and other building projects of the south-east region being overspent by £60 million, which will have to be paid for out of next year's allocation?
§ Ms BlearsNo, it will not. Hon. Members have become a little excited at the prospect of the south-east's financial position. The deficit that the south-east region is facing is about 1 per cent. of its budget and one eighth of 1 per cent. of the overall NHS budget. Such matters arise from time to time; they will be resolved. The majority of the deficit—some £51 million—is the result of increases in prescribing. Many drugs are being prescribed to prevent ill health in the first place.