§ Baroness Jay of Paddingtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what basis the Department of Health selected the London medical specialties to be reviewed, as announced in their Statement on Health Services in London on 16th February.
Why AIDS and HIV services, which absorb considerable ring-fenced resources and are uniquely developed in the London area, were not included in the review of specialist medical services in London announced on 16th February.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)Following the publication of the Tomlinson Report we consulted with interested parties, including the Thames Regional Health Authorities and inner London purchasers, on the selection of areas for inclusion in the specialty reviews. The five specialties (cardiac services, cancer services, neurosciences, plastic surgery and renal services) together account for about 75 per cent. of the specialist work, and expenditure on, regional specialties in London. The review of specialist children's services will mirror for children what is being determined for adult services.
We shall decide whether to review other specialties, including AIDS and HIV services, in due course.