§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the proposals in the Coopers and Lybrand review of cancer treatment services for the North-East Thames regional health authority in the light of the material which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Brent, South.
§ Mr. HayhoeFollowing full public consultation and consideration of all views expressed, North East Thames regional health authority on 19 May adopted a policy of
384Wmoving toward a pattern of care for cancer patients focussed on district general hospitals, supported by larger, better equipped specialist cancer treatment centres. The regional health authority has commissioned further research to consider all relevant evidence and will be considering recommendations on the choice of sites for the treatment centres at its July meeting. Any proposals to change the disposition of existing services will be subject to full public consultation under normal National Health Service procedures. including, if the relevant community health council objects, the referral of any final decision to Ministers. It would not therefore be appropriate for Ministers to comment further at this stage.