§ 36. Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide additional funds to the North Essex health authority to enable team midwifery groups to be provided throughout the authority's area. [106273]
§ Yvette CooperNorth Essex Health Authority is in the process of reviewing its maternity services strategy for the whole of its area, with key stakeholders and users. There will be no changes made to existing maternity services until this strategy has been agreed. Any proposed changes to existing provision will be the subject of a full and open consultation.
The 2000–01 unified allocation for North Essex Health Authority is £544.95 million, representing a cash increase of £34.15 million (6.68 per cent). It is for health authorities, in partnership with NHS trusts, primary care groups, local authorities and local stakeholders to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health and modernising services. The significant additional resources available will help them in this.