HC Deb 11 March 1996 vol 273 cc488-9W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what public consultation procedure a health authority is required to undertake before using private facilities to provide care services previously available in hospital. [19366]

Mr. Malone

Health authorities are statutorily required to consult the relevant community health council on proposals which would result in substantial changes to local services.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he has to monitor the delivery of undertakings given by health authorities during public consultation procedures on the closure or change of use of health facilities. [19367]

(2) what mechanisms are available to the public to ensure the implementation of policy commitments given by a health authority during a public consultation process. [19368]

Mr. Malone

Progress on the development of new health facilities, or changes to them, is monitored by the NHS Executive. The public can raise any matters of concern direct with a health authority or through their community health council.