HC Deb 18 April 1995 vol 258 c119W
Mrs. Beckett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the service provided by the London Chest hospital. [18719]

Mr. Malone

The London Chest hospital provides cardio thoracic surgical and medical services, primarily for the residents of North Thames regional health authority. Services will transfer over time to the Royal London hospital site at Whitechapel.

Mrs. Beckett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance she has given to the Royal London Hospital trust in relation to the closure of cardiothoracic services at St. Bartholomew's and the London Chest hospital prior to the development of the new unit on the Royal London hospital site. [19705]

Mr. Malone

The relocation of cardiothoracic services from St. Bartholomew's and the London Chest hospitals forms part of the Royal Hospitals trust's proposals to concentrate acute services on a single site at Whitechapel. The trust is required to meet all patients charter standards and make full and adequate provision for all its services which may need to be relocated, either permanently or temporarily, whilst building work is undertaken.

No services will transfer or close until adequate alternative facilities are in place.