§ Richard OttawayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the reasons are for his proposed transfer of renal transplant operations from St. Helier to St. George's; and if he will make a statement. [28746]
§ Mr. HuttonAny decision to transfer renal transplant operations from St. Helier to St. George's hospitals will be decided locally. St. George's, Epsom and St. Helier national health service trusts, Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth health authority, Merton and Sutton community health council and patient groups are all working to ensure that any proposals put forward are in the best interests of the patients and staff of the renal service. A final decision will not be made until the health authority has conducted a formal public consultation which will commence in March 2002.