§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what weight she gave to the amount of provision for(a) general medical, (b) surgical, (c) paediatric and (d) geriatric beds at Newcastle general hospital in her decision to turn down its application for trust status; and what assessment was made of the relative cost per bed of alternative local provision.
§ Dr. MawhinneyNewcastle general hospital applied for National Health Service trust status in 1990. In assessing that application the then Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Waldegrave) considered the views expressed in public consultation and the advice of independent financial management consultants. The pattern of service provision is primarily a matter for the local district health authority, as the main puchaser of health services for the local population.
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations her Department has initiated between the regional health authority, the management and senior clinicians at Newcastle general hospital, the Comunity Health Council and local general practitioners concerning the future of Newcastle general hospital.
§ Dr. MawhinneyNone.
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East can expect a reply or acknowledgement to his letter dated 26 October, about Newcastle general hospital.
§ Mr. SackvilleAn acknowledgment was sent on 5 November, the day following receipt of the letter. I sent a full reply on 24 November.