§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to make an announcement on(a) the future arrangements for community hospitals in Oxfordshire and (b) the future of Bicester Community hospital. [92646]
§ Mr. DenhamMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State fully recognises the concerns of the local community on this issue.
He has instructed officials at the National Health Service Executive South East Regional Office to explore further the feasibility of variations put forward by Oxfordshire Health Authority and Oxfordshire Community Health NHS Trust.
The matter has now been referred to my right hon. Friend who will be carefully considering all options before reaching a final decision on the future arrangements for community hospitals in Oxfordshire and the future of Bicester Community Hospital.