§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions her Department has had with the Manchester Health Purchasing Consortium about the major improvements planned for Wythenshawe hospital; for what reason a new and more limited scheme will now have to be submitted to her Department; what effect an amended scheme will have on the running down of Withington hospital; what other hospitals in the city will be affected; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWhen considering major capital proposals we need to be satisfied that schemes are cost effective and offer the best value for money. Officials support Ministers in this by meeting national health service staff and discussing new schemes in detail. The Wythenshawe hospital development is subject to this process. Further improvements to the scheme will deliver better services for less cost. It is too soon to detail the impact that the current revision will have upon the scheme or on other hospitals in the city, including Withington hospital.