§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what guidance he is issuing to health and social services boards as to the identification of hospitals which may wish to apply for self-governing status; what information he has about any hospital in Northern Ireland being a candidate for this status; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 4 April 1989]: On 23 March 1989, I announced the publication of seven working papers which describe in greater detail how particular proposals outlined in the White Paper "Working for Patients" (Cm 555) will be implemented in Northern Ireland. Copies are available in the Library.
Working paper 1 "Self Governing Hospitals in Northern Ireland" makes it clear that the Government regard all hospitals as potentially eligible for self-governing status, but it is likely to be particularly appropriate to major acute hospitals with over 250 beds and I would expect initial proposals to come from this type of hospital.