§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons the North West Lancashire, Morecambe Bay and South Cumbria, East Lancashire, and South Lancashire health authorities have not agreed a policy to fund an expansion of the renal unit at the Royal Preston Hospital; and if he will make a statement. [61743]
§ Mr. MilburnThe four health authorities support the recommendations of the pan-Lancashire review of renal services, which reported last year. That review recommended the development of a "hub-and-spoke" model for long term renal care; a hub in Preston and satellite units in Accrington, Blackpool and Kendal. The authorities agreed additional revenue for 1998–99 to implement the model in the short term, essentially by260W maximizing the use of existing local facilities. They have also set up a working group to determine how resources should be allocated in future years.
§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what amount was spent per head of population on renal services in each health authority area in England in the year for which he has the most up-to-date data. [61744]
§ Mr. MilburnIn terms of global budget, 1.5 per cent. of National Health Service revenue was spent on renal services in 1996. Information about the amount spent per capita on renal services in each health authority in England is not available.