HC Deb 17 February 1998 vol 306 cc548-9W
Mr. Colman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the long-term capacity of Kingston Hospital. [29055]

Mr. Milburn

Kingston Hospital National Health Service Trust will be working up a detailed business case for capital investment for the longer term. This will include a thorough assessment of longer term patient flows and will take account of the range of hospital services available to the population of south west London. The two Thames NHS Executive Regional Offices will be overseeing this process.

Mr. Colman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that long-term fully-financed plans are in place for Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton before approving further reconfiguration of hospital services in South West London. [29058]

Mr. Milburn

Consultation has now closed on the proposed changes in South West London and Kingston and Richmond Health Authority and Meiton, Sutton and Wandsworth Health Authority are considering all the comments and proposals put forward during the consultation process.

Mr. Colman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the short-term capacity of(a) St. George's Hospital, Tooting and (b) Kingston Hospital, to take on extra in-patient work from Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton. [29054]

Mr. Milburn

Kingston and Richmond Health Authority, Meiton, Sutton and Wandsworth Health Authority and local trusts have been working together to ensure that, subject to comments and proposals put forward during the consultation period, there will be sufficient capacity in neighbouring hospitals to take on work flowing from Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton.

Mr. Colman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that no services are transferred from Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton until(a) alternatives have been put in place at neighbouring hospitals and (b) the necessary transitional finance is available. [29057]

Mr. Milburn

Public consultation on the future of Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton was completed only recently. Health authorities are yet to reach a decision following consultation. No services will be transferred from Queen Mary's Hospital Roehampton until adequate facilities are available in neighbouring hospitals.