§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received following the publication of the Tomlinson report; and how many organisations have been sent a copy of the document for comment.
§ Dr. MawhinneyI am undertaking a series of meetings with many of the organisations concerned to listen to their views. In addition, we have received a number of written submissions and letters from interested organisations and individuals.
The report has been sent to all health authorities as well as a wide range of medical education, research and other relevant bodies, with an invitation to comment.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when she will announce the membership and remit of the London implementation group; and whether the membership of this group will include representatives of the professions and staff organisations working in the NHS in London.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWe shall confirm the remit of the London implementation group, and its membership, when we announce our full response to the Tomlinson report early in the new year.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will prevent any more beds being closed in London before she announces the Government's response to the recommendations for change outlined in the Tomlinson report.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWe expect to announce our response to the Tomlinson report early in the new year. Bed numbers in individual hospitals are a matter for determination by local management.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of whether the problems identified by Sir Bernard Tomlinson in his report on London's health services are unique to the capital.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe report Sir Bernard Tomlinson has produced is a strategic view of the particular needs of London's health services. Clearly there are likely to be some parallels concerning primary care services and the disposition of hospitals in other cities. We shall need in the future to consider what recommendations of the Tomlinson report, if any, are applicable elsewhere.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how she intends to ensure that full account is taken of the implications for staff of proposals to change the pattern of London's health services.
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§ Dr. MawhinneyMinisters are holding a series of meetings with medical, nursing and other national health service staff organisations to discuss the Tomlinson report including its potential impact on staff. There will also be consultation locally on any closures or substantial changes in services arising from the report.