§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of small hospital units in areas where former hospitals have been closed, since 1979.
§ Mr. DorrellThe reforms of the NHS have centred upon the importance of establishing the role of district and family health authorities as the purchasers of hospital, community health and primary care services and prevention. They have important functions in translating patients' needs and concerns into improved services. One of the main aims of the reforms is to bring all those involved in securing and delivering health care services closer together so that they are more aware of the needs and wishes of patients, including those concerning the location of facilities, and can therefore be more responsive to them.