HC Deb 18 February 1993 vol 219 cc314-5W
Mr. Bellingham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will set out her objectives in establishing the specialty reviews outlined in the document, "Making London Better"; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Mawhinney

The aim of the specialty reviews is to achieve a more sensible distribution of six specialist services, providing a stronger service for patients and an improved academic base whilst avoiding unwarranted duplication.

The reviews will be conducted separately, but in parallel, and are to be completed by the end of May 1993. They will make recommendations for the future organisation of the six specialty services in London. They will also indicate the likely financial impact of their proposals and present their supporting evidence, analyses and judgment. Their reports will then be subject to review by Ministers before formal consultation on any significant proposals and final decisions by the autumn.

The reviews will be co-ordinated by the London implementation group. Each is being led by a distinguished clinician and a senior national health service manager of a purchasing authority, as follows:

CANCER SERVICES

  • Dr. Christopher Paine - Consultant Radiotherapist, Churchill Hospital, Oxford and President, Royal College of Radiologists.
  • Mr. Michael Bellamy - Ealing Hammersmith and Hounslow Commissioning Agency

CARDIAC SERVICES

  • Prof. Geoffrey Smith — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Sheffield
  • Mr. John James - Parkside Health Authority

NEUROSCIENCES

  • Mr. Thomas Hide - Consultant, South General Hospital, Glasgow
  • Ms. Victoria Hardman - Bloomsbury and Islington Health Authority

PLASTICS

  • Mr. Philip Sykes - Consultant, St. Lawrence Hospital, Chepstow
  • Ms. Mary Whitty - Brent and Harrow Health Authority

RENAL SERVICES

  • Prof. Netar Mallick - Department of Renal Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary
  • Mr. Peter Coe - Tower Hamlets Health Authority

SPECIALITY CHILDREN'S SERVICES

  • Prof. Sir David Hull - Department of Child Health, University of Nottingham and President of British Paediatric Association
  • Mr. Martin Roberts - Wandsworth Health Authority

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