HC Deb 17 February 1994 vol 237 cc926-7W
Mr. McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice she received from the independent assessors nominated by the Royal College of Pathologists on awarding the private contract for pathology services for the North Hertfordshire trust; and what action was taken as a result of that advice.

Mr. Sackville

The advice of the assessors nominated by the Royal College of Pathologists was given in confidence to the North Hertfordshire trust. We understand that the trust has found the advice valuable in its discussions on the detail of the service to be provided under contract.

Mr. McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on her review of pathology services; when her report is due to be published; and what is the implication for her review of a decision to award a contract for pathology services to a private company before it is completed.

Mr. Sackville

The strategic review of pathology services is due to report to the Department in June. The Department will then consider the content of strategic guidelines for the national health service on the maintenance and development of high quality, cost-effective clinical services responsive to the needs of patients and users. The review is not intended to delay progress on local initiatives.