§ Mr. GallieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to announce the outcome of the current applications for NHS trust status in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangI have received 14 applications from hospitals/units interested in becoming NHS trusts in April 1993. These were submitted by Caithness and Sutherland, Raigmore, Moray Health Services, Grampian Healthcare, Dundee General Hospitals, West Lothian, Monklands and Bellshill, Stirling Royal infirmary, Royal Alexandra hospital, the North Ayrshire and Arran general hospitals, Ayrshire and Arran Community Healthcare and, in Glasgow, the Southern General, Yorkhill and the Victoria infirmary. Public consultation on the applications has been carried out by the appropriate host health boards who have submitted to me reports on the comments made.
As previously, all applications are being considered against the published criteria of benefits for patients, management competence, the involvement of professional staff, and the financial viability of the applicant unit. I have completed my consideration of the applications for 459W Moray Health Services, Dundee General Hospitals, Grampian Healthcare, Stirling royal infirmary, the Royal Alexandra hospital, Yorkhill, Southern General and Victoria infirmary. I have concluded that these applications meet the criteria and consequently should be approved. My decision in respect of Glasgow hospitals is without prejudice to the review of acute services currently being undertaken by Greater Glasgow health board.
I expect to complete my consideration of the outstanding six applications shortly and will announce my decisions as early as possible in order that successful candidates can get ahead with the work required before becoming operational on 1 April 1993.
The establishment as NHS trusts of the successful candidates offers a further opportunity for improving services which are already of a high standard. The experience of the two Scottish trusts currently operational is of more patients being treated, greater innovation in the services being offered, and in general a service which is endeavouring to be more responsive to the needs of patients. Those promoting the current applications have indicated a commitment to achieving similar outcomes for their patients. This is to be welcomed and, I believe, augurs well for the NHS in Scotland and of course patient care.