HC Deb 20 February 1990 vol 167 cc720-1W
101. Mr. Dykes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider the creation of a special health authority to supervise the management of the Royal National orthopaedic hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex.

Mr. Freeman

We do not consider the creation of a special health authority for the Royal National orthopaedic hospital is the best way forward.

North East Thames and North West Thames regional health authorities issued proposals last August to transfer the management of the Royal National orthopaedic hospital (Stanmore) from Bloomsbury district health authority to Harrow district health authority as the most effective arrangement for securing the future of the hospital. No definitive proposal has yet been put to Ministers.

I discussed options for the hospital's future management with my hon. Friend when he led a delegation from the hospital to see me last week. I plan to visit the hospital shortly.