§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many business cases have so far been(a) submitted and (b) rejected for a replacement neuro-disability centre for Hunters Moor Hospital, Newcastle; what the date was of the first such submission; and whether a business case has now been accepted. [168699]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThree business cases have been submitted.
165WThe first outline business case was submitted in 1995. It was not progressed further because of changes in the time scale of implementing the Newcastle Strategic Review.
The second outline business case was submitted in 1998 to provide interim accommodation. It was rejected by the community health council. The former Newcastle City Health Trust withdrew the proposal and agreed to explore further options.
The third outline business case was developed following a period of public consultation. It was approved by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority in 2003. The full business case is now being developed.