§ 12. Mr. AncramTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what encouragement she can give to purchasers and providers within the health service to promote and sustain local community hospitals in rural areas.
§ Mr. SackvilleBoth purchasers and providers now have an unprecedented opportunity to tailor health services to meet local needs. National health service trusts, in particular, have a greater freedom over day-to-day operational matters and can be more responsive to patients. Health authorities are in a better position to focus on assessing the health needs and preferences of the local population and securing services to meet those needs and preferences.