§ Lord Shepherdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied that, as a result of the NHS Review, the quality of core services (including A and E and maternity services) will be provided by districts on a local basis.
§ Lord HenleyUnder the new arrangements, district health authorities will be required to identify and arrange for the local provision of all services to which patients need guaranteed local access; these are core services. When the DHA arranges provision of these services, whether through its own directly managed hospitals or through contracts with self-governing trusts or hospitals managed by other DHAs, quality of care will be a major consideration. The DHA will then be required to monitor subsequent performance to ensure that it meets requirements. Medical audit will also ensure adherence to high quality standards.