§ Mr. LilleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which(a) medical and (b) other organisations have been consulted about the commissioning of specialised services in the NHS. [119115]
§ Ms StuartWidespread consultation took place prior to the introduction of the new commissioning arrangements for specialised services in April 1999, with views being sought from the medical bodies, the Patients Forum, community health councils, voluntary sector organisations and local authorities. Subsequently consultation takes place through the Regional Specialised Commissioning Groups.
§ Mr. LilleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received about the funding of specialised services in the NHS. [119114]
§ Ms StuartWith regard to representations received on the subject of funding of specialised services, in the last three months my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has dealt with 21 letters, of which 18 letters were from Members of Parliament, and has met representatives from the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust.