§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which services hospital managers are(a) permitted and (b) not permitted to contract out to private companies; and if he will make a statement. [149674]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 9 February 2001]: The list shows services which may be provided under contract by the private sector to National Health Service bodies:
- Grounds and gardens maintenance
- Property and building maintenance
- Equipment maintenance
- Domestic services
- Catering
- Laundry
- Waste disposal
- Pest control
- Portering
- Security
- Non-emergency patient transport
- Courier services
- Information Management and Technology Systems
- Financial services
- Car parking
- Telecommunications
- Energy and utilities
- Sterile supply service/SSDs
- Stores
- Reception
- Post services
- Residential accommodation
- Day nursery and creche services.
Any proposals which include categories of services or staff other than those on the list must be submitted to the NHS Executive for approval by Ministers.