§ 76. Mr. LathamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the hospital building programme.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe largest ever health building programme in the history of the National Health Service is continuing. Information held centrally shows that there and currently more than 480 health building schemes, each costing over £1 million, at various stages of planning, design and construction. The total value of the programme is estimated at over £3.5 billion, and the total capital expenditure this year is expected to exceed £990 million.
These building schemes, which are located throughout the country, are providing a better health care environment for National Health Service patients and more attractive working conditions for staff. They are helping to improve productivity and value for money. Newer designs have been generally very well received by patients and the public.