NHS Trusts (Hansard, 20 March 1990)

§ 29. Mr. Dykes
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on developments in hospital independent trust proposals within the National Health Service.

§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
A total of 191 National Health Service units have, to date, expressed an interest in National Health Service trust status and I understand that some 80 units are currently undertaking preparatory work with a view to submitting applications for National Health Service trust status at an early stage. Subject to the passage of the necessary legislation, we intend to invite formal applications for trust status shortly after Royal Assent. We intend that the first trusts should become fully operational in April 1991.

§ 78. Mr. Patchett
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how may district health authorities have resolved to have a ballot on the question of the formation of self-governing trusts.

§ 120. Ms. Primarolo
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many district health authorities have resolved to have a ballot on the question of the formation of self-governing trusts.
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§ 138. Mr. Pendry
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many district health authorities have resolved to have a ballot on the question of the formation of self-governing trusts.

§ Mr. O'Brien
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many district health authorities have resolved to have a ballot on the question of the formation of self-governing trusts.

§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
Formal consultation on proposals to establish NHS trusts cannot take place until applications are made; that is after the necessary legislation has received Royal Assent. I am aware that self-governance and other NHS review issues will have been discussed by health authorities, but the results have not been formally requested or recorded by the Department. When details become available and formal applications are prepared, regional health authorities will ensure that they are given local publicity and will seek the views of all those with an interest including health authorities, staff, patients, GPs, CHCs, and the local community. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State shall consider these views alongside the application. However, no one group will have a veto.

§ 98. Mr. Burns
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many units have now expressed interest in becoming National Health Service hospital trusts.

§ 143. Mr. Barry Field
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many expressions of interest he has now received from hospitals or units wishing to obtain National Health Service hospital trust status.

§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
A total of 191 units have, to date, expressed an interest in NHS trust status.

§ 99. Mr. Ashby
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what will be the status of National Health Service trusts within the National Health Service.

§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
The National Health Service and Community Care Bill provides for NHS trusts to be established as separate bodies corporate. They will remain an integral part of the NHS.