§ Hugh RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps have been taken to develop(a) cottage hospitals and (b) GP surgeries in advance of the re-organisation of acute services in east Kent; [70360]
(2) when he intends to make a decision on the re-organisation of acute hospitals in east Kent. [70361]
§ Ms BlearsSince Kent and Medway health authority made its recommendation on the reconfiguration of services at East Kent Hospitals National Health Service Trust, the local community health councils have registered objections with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health. Ministers will need to give careful consideration to these objections before deciding whether to accept the health authority's recommendation. At this time it is not possible to give an indication of when this may be. I will be visiting the trust on 18 July to hear the views of local stakeholders.
The development of primary and secondary care services are a matter for the Kent and Medway health authority, in partnership with local primary care and NHS trusts. All four primary care trusts in east Kent are
219Wactively working to develop community services to support the reorganisation of the acute service provided by East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust.