§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the approval of major capital schemes for the provision of new hospital facilities on sites away from existing hospitals. [70645]
§ Mr. DenhamFinal decisions to proceed with major capital developments in the National Health Service are made on the basis of approved business cases, written in line with guidance set out in the capital investment manual.
New capital schemes procured by NHS trusts require planning permission which has to be obtained from the local planning authority. Therefore the location of any scheme is also a matter for the local planning authority. Proposed locations are selected by NHS trusts in partnership with the local health authority taking account of their healthcare strategies and patient needs, coupled with analysis of existing owned sites, or where these are unsuitable, other sites which may be available.