§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what grounds the South-East Thames Regional Health Authority has suggested the transfer of the regional units for cardiothoracic surgery and neuro-surgery from the Brook General Hospital, Woolwich; what implications such a move would have for the future provision of acute services at the Brook General Hospital; what public consultation will be undertaken; and who will take the final decision in the matter.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe regional health authority has suggested the transfer on the grounds that the concentration of facilities would allow a more efficient use of specialised resources. The question of implications for other services at the Brook Hospital will be for consideration between the RHA and AHA in the first instance. If the authorities decide to proceed further with the proposals there will be full public consultation before a decision is taken. The matter will come to me for decision if no local agreement is reached.