§ 33. Mr. RooneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he has given to health authorities on mergers of trusts. [13842]
§ Mr. MilburnMergers between National Health Service trusts are a matter for local consideration. Each proposal will be considered on its individual merits, taking into account the views of local people and staff.
I announced on 22 September that, if they are to proceed, trust mergers must show demonstrable improvements in patients services and will be expected to deliver a minimum of £½ million savings in bureaucracy within the first two years.