§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the funding of regionally planned perinatal and neonatal intensive care; and what is his policy towards the introduction of regional contracts to provide care for ill babies.
§ Mr. DorrellFunding and contractual arrangements for perinatal and neonatal intensive care services are matters for regional and health authorities to determine in the light of local circumstances and requirements. We expect regional health authorities to ensure that the new contractual arrangements continue to provide for the referral of vulnerable and very sick babies to appropriate units, both before and following birth. The NHS management executive will pay particular attention to monitoring and reviewing the provision of maternity and neonatal services during the annual accountability review process in 1991–92.