§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much new funding is available in the current year to(a) build new community hospitals and (b) upgrade existing community hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [42432]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsThere is no new funding available specifically for community hospitals in 1998–99. However, almost £50 million has been made available for major capital investment in the NHS in Wales for projects ranging from the removal of asbestos at the University of Wales Dental Hospital, to the new Cancer Treatment Centre at Glan Clwyd NHS Trust. Another £47 million discretionary capital has also been made available to NHS Trusts and Health Authorities, to maintain existing facilities, including community based services.
In February this year, we were very pleased to announce a new community hospital for Chepstow, which will be built and serviced by a private company under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). In addition, several other NHS Trusts are currently negotiating with private partners for the provision of capital services.