§ Baroness Cumberlegeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which are the two hospitals due to close, in addition to the four in Cornwall, referred to by the Secretary of State for Health on the Today programme on 16 June; and whether these hospitals require a decision by the Secretary of State prior to closure. [HL2378]
§ Baroness Jay of PaddingtonMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Health was referring to the consultation on the reshaping of community services in Oxfordshire. This consultation will continue until 4 July. Two options are being consulted upon: in both cases the closure of Burford Hospital is proposed together with either the closure of Watlington Hospital or the closure of wards and the day hospital at Wallingford Hospital. Only if the final proposal is contested will the matter be referred to Ministers for a decision.