§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when Waltham Forest district health authority first expressed an interest in being considered in the next round of opt-outs; what type of opt-out has been suggested; whether the proposal contains any timetable for public consultation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyNo units will "opt out" of the national health service: NHS trusts will remain firmly within the NHS.
An expression of interest in NHS trust status has been received from Waltham Forest health authority. The proposed trust would provide the acute and community services currently covered by the district. Public consultation will be undertaken by the regional health authority if or when a unit makes a formal application for trust status.