HC Deb 07 November 1989 vol 159 cc550-2W
17. Dr. Goodson-Wickes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that patients are aware that the proposed self-governing hospitals will not be opting-out of the National Health Service.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Government have made it quite clear, in published documents on the NHS review proposals, and in statements to the House and in public, that NHS trusts will remain firmly within the NHS. We shall continue to take every opportunity to explain our proposals and to dispel any misconceptions.

The Chief Executive of the NHS Management Executive has recently announced (18 October) a new initiative to improve communications and stimulate a better understanding of the Government's proposals amongst NHS staff. This will help to ensure that the people who have direct contact with patients have the necessary information to explain the implications of the NHS review proposals to them.

62. Mr. Watts

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which services will have to be retained by National Health Service self-governing hospitals.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

It will be for district health authorities to determine, in the light of local circumstances, what services are required to meet the health care needs of their resident popultion and to secure provision of those services through contracts. As part of this process, health authorities will identify those services which must be provided locally. Where a unit which applies for NHS trust status is the only sensible option for providing such services my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State will approve arrangements for their continued provision on establishment of the NHS trust. Any later changes will be subject to my right hon. and learned Friend's further approval if they cannot be agreed locally.

67. Mr. Shersby

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many National Health Service hospitals have now indicated their interest in self-governance.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I have received 186 expressions of interest in NHS trust status. Some are for non-hospital facilities and others include more than one hospital.

73. Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress towards establishing self-governing hospitals he expects to achieve by 1992.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the member for Maidstone (Miss Widdecombe) on 3 November.

Apart from the units which are preparing applications for NHS trust status in 1991, others will prepare applications to become trusts later. I expect to receive applications in about 18 months time from hospitals and units wishing to become self-governing NHS trusts from April 1992.

75. Mrs. Rosie Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department has taken to develop the necessary commissioning expertise within district health authorities so that they will be in a position to purchase services from self-governing hospital trusts from April 1991; and whether his Department has any plans to revise this implementation date.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

On 2 November, Duncan Nichol, the chief executive of the NHS management executive announced a major programme of work to support DHAs in adopting their new role. The project will draw on the results of local initiatives in 11 districts and ensure that the lessons learned are shared quickly across the service. We have no plans to change the timetable for implementing the White Paper reforms.

90. Mr. Sumberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many requests for information he has received from hospitals interested in acquiring self-governing status.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

A total of 186 expressions of interest in acquiring NHS trust status have been received. Some of these are for non-hospital facilities and others include more than one hospital.

Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which managers of hospitals for mentally handicapped people have expressed an interest in opting out under the arrangements outlined in the Government White Paper.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Eleven units for mentally handicapped people have expressed interest in NHS trust status. A number of other expressions of interest in NHS trust status, for whole district services and for community services, also include units for mentally handicapped patients. There is, of course, no question of any hospital "opting-out" of the NHS.

Mr. Graham Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the result of the recent ballot of staff of Queen's medical centre on opting-out.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

I understand that a ballot relating to the expression of interest in NHS trust status from the University hospital in Nottingham was held at the request of Nottingham Trades Council, the results of which are a matter for the trades council. There is. of course, no question of any hospital "opting-out" of the NHS.