§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice is given to health authorities with regard to public consultation prior to the closure or change of use of individual wards in hospitals where the long-term closure of such hospitals has already been agreed.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Community Health Council Regulations 1985, as amended, require district health authorities to consult the relevant community health council on proposals which would result in substantial changes to health services in the district. It is for regional and district health authorities to consider when further formal or informal local consultation is necessary during the phased closure of a major institution.