§ Mr. Martin Stevensasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether a decision has been made on the proposals put forward by the North-West Thames health authority to amalgamate Victoria and Hammersmith and Fulham health authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeFollowing a number of meetings with groups representing local interests and careful consideration of all aspects of the proposals, we have decided to approve in principle the proposal put forward by the North-West Thames regional health authority that these two health authorities should be amalgamated to form a new district health authority to be known as Riverside.
In taking this step we have been above all concerned for the interests of patients. The rapidly reducing population and comparatively high levels of provision of acute hospital services in this part of London mean that significant changes are needed in the pattern of health care provision. We are convinced that the best way to safeguard patients' interests while the necessary changes are made is to create a single health authority to look at the problems of the area as a whole. The new authority will be able to liaise more effectively with the recently created Charing Cross and Westminster medical school. This will ensure that high quality and innovative medical care continues to be provided together with the provision of effective medical education. At the same time we will expect the new authority to strengthen the management of joint planning with the local authorities and family practitioner committees responsible for other aspects of care and treatment.
116WEven after this amalgamation the new authority will be smaller than many in terms of population and geographical area. The necessary legislative changes will be laid before the House shortly for consideration. I am confident that the creation of a new single authority to manage the health services currently managed by Victoria and Hammersmith and Fulham health authorities offers considerable opportunities for improving the quality and planning of these services in the years ahead.