§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on Government policy on the development of regional and sub-regional centres of clinical and medical excellence and the role of(a) local hospitals and (b) health resource centres in the context of the move towards regional and sub-regional concentration. [80455]
§ Mr. DenhamWe are committed to the development of clinical excellence at all levels within the National Health Service, as set out in "A First Class Service: Quality in the NHS". National Service Frameworks and guidance issued nationally by the Government support health authorities and trusts in the development of clinical excellence locally.
However, it is for health authorities, primary care groups and NHS trusts to determine the most appropriate range and configurations of health services to meet local needs.