§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with(a) Portsmouth NHS Hospitals Trust, (b) Portsmouth & SE Hants Health Authority and (c) others this year about the admissions and treatment of patients at Portsmouth hospitals; what actions he has taken; and what plans he has to visit hospitals in Portsmouth. [65750]
§ Mr. DenhamWe have expressed our thanks to all those working in the National Health Services for the huge effort they have put in to make sure everyone is getting the treatment and care they need over the winter months.
An extra £1.672 million has been allocated to Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Health Authority to help them cope with winter pressures. The South East Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive has been working closely with the local national Health Service in Portsmouth about the admission and treatment of patients this year, and will continue to do so.
We have no plans at present to visit hospitals in this area.