§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on Edgware Hospital development with particular reference to(a) what diagnostic services and equipment are to be provided, (b) how the hospital will fit into the primary care trust's intermediate care strategy and (c) what plans there are to improve cross health service border usage by residents in Brent and Harrow. [132578]
§ Mr. HuttonThe new Edgware Community Hospital is under construction and is due for completion in the summer of 2004. The capital cost of the project is £35.7 million. The new community hospital will have a range of services, including: out-patients for children and adults, including a range of therapy services, day518W surgery, x-ray, urgent treatment centre with walk-in centre, birth centre, intermediate care services and services for older people with mental health problems.
Barnet Primary Care Trust continues to develop intermediate care service, which provide support for people in their own home and also in patient and day hospital facilities. Edgware Community Hospital is integral to this strategy.