§ Ms DrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the £100 million for maternity services has been allocated; and whether it has been spent in the way originally intended. [36418]
§ Yvette CooperThe £100 million was allocated on the basis of individual bids submitted by maternity units after consultation with local staff and users. The bids were prioritised and allocations recommended by regional offices to target hospitals which were in greatest need. A central panel reviewed the bids to ensure national consistency.
Over 200 units across the country received a share of this investment. Regional offices are monitoring the expenditure and progress reports will be provided. Plans 1079W are well under way for the refurbishment work, and all projects are due to be completed by the end of March 2003.