§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those hospitals whose managements he has written to, or spoken to, about acquisition of hospital trust status.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThe director of the national health service in Wales has written to all managers of health service units explaining Ministers' view that although national health service trusts are seen as the natural organisational model for hospitals and other units providing health care, the decision on whether to seek self-governing status is a matter for individual units, taking account of local circumstances and enthusiasm.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales which hospitals in Wales are eligible for hospital trust status.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettAny hospital or other health service unit actively providing patient care may apply to become a national health service trust. This would include hospitals, community-based services (whether alone or together with hospitals) and ambulance services.