§ Helen SouthworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set up a task group with high level participation from the Department of Health, the Fire Service and the Fire Policy Unit to consider the implications of the fire at Warrington hospital for the structure of hospital buildings, with special reference to the NHS building programme. [61407]
§ Jacqui SmithFire engineers from NHS Estates represent the Department on the national fire policy advisory group. This group comprises of members from the Chief and Assistant Chief Officers Association, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Home Office, the Institute of Building Control, the Association of County Councils and the Fire Protection Association. In addition, the Department is represented on key British standard panels relating to fire safety. I will be asking my officials to ensure the implications of the fire at 241W Warrington general hospital are considered carefully. In addition, NHS Estates will be undertaking fire reviews of all new hospital schemes to ensure all necessary standards are met.