§ Mr. SedgemoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when she intends to visit Bart's hospital as part of her follow-up to the Tomlinson report; and what proposals she has to give Bart's hospital time and facilities to prepare their case before making her visit.
§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will ensure that at least two ministerial visits are made to the Smithfield site of St. Bartholomew's hospital during the period of consultation on the Tomlinson report.
§ Dr. MawhinneyI shall be visiting St. Bartholomew's hospital shortly including the Homerton Hospital and St. Mark's hospital, which form part of the Bart's acute unit. There will be ample opportunity for St. Bartholomew's and other hospitals to make known their views on Sir Bernard Tomlinson's recommendations before we bring forward detailed proposals.
§ Mr. SedgemoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the 10 minutes isochrone for Bart's hospital was calculated by Professor Tomlinson; who calculated it; and at what time of the day it was calculated.
§ Dr. MawhinneyI understand that this analysis was undertaken by Sir Bernard Tomlinson by a firm of consultants, Centre for Analysis and Modelling Ltd., that it was based upon standard computerised geographical and transport data, and that it assumed road transport at Monday to Friday daytime off-peak road speeds. I have asked Sir Bernard to write directly to the hon. Member giving a more detailed explanation of the methodology, and shall ensure that a copy of his letter is placed in the Library.
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§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the dates so far arranged for ministerial visits to hospitals proposed for closure or merger in the Tomlinson report.
§ Dr. MawhinneyI shall ensure that hon. Members are informed in the normal way prior to any ministerial visits to hospitals in their constituencies.