§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps she has taken to guarantee that the privatisation of pathology services at Lister hospital in Stevenage has no detrimental impact upon the availability of those services to local patients;
456W(2) what representations she has received regarding the privatisation of pathology services at the Lister hospital in Stevenage.
§ Mr. SackvilleWe have received several letters about the decision announced by the North Herts Trust that its pathology services will be provided by the independent sector. It is for trusts to assess and make decisions on the nature of their pathology provision to meet the requirements of their purchasers. We understand that the North Herts Trust expects the new arrangement to improve services for its patients.