§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what are the criteria by which trusts can determine that land within their ownership is hospital land surplus to requirements; [3301]
(2) what procedure must be followed by NHS trusts prior to resolving that land within their ownership is hospital land surplus to requirements. [3302]
§ Mr. MilburnNational Health Service trusts are responsible for determining their own property requirements but they must consult with the health authorities who may commission services from them (and who themselves have a statutory duty to consult on proposed substantial variations in services), and with other NHS organisations who may have an interest, before resolving that the property they own is not required for NHS purposes.
NHS trusts are required to prepare an annual business plan, supported by an estates strategy which details the plans they have for their property, which they must submit to the NHS Executive. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State may, in the interests of the NHS, prohibit or restrict the disposal of assets owned by NHS trusts.