§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will review the proposal of the Eastern health board to move the maternity service from the Jubilee unit in Belfast City hospital.
§ Mr. HanleyThe Eastern health and social services board is presently consulting the public on its purchasing intentions for acute hospital services. If these consultations result in firm recommendations from the board for major changes in the provision of services, including maternity services, these will require the endorsement of my noble Friend, Lord Arran, before they can be implemented.
§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will(a) remove the Eastern health board from health care planning and (b) establish an independent inquiry into the health care needs of the people in the area of the Eastern health board.
§ Mr. HanleyThe Eastern health and social services board has direct responsibility as an agent of the Department of Health and Social Services for the health and personal social care of the residents in its area. There are no plans to remove the board from health care planning.
There is no need for an independent inquiry into the health care needs of the people in the area of the Eastern board. The board is required to assess the health of its population in devising its purchasing plans and I am content that it does so satisfactorily.