§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many business plans have been submitted from north-west based hospital trusts in respect of securing additional CT scanning equipment; when the criteria to determine the distribution of additional CT scanners will be decided; and when decisions on new scanner distributions will be made. [72601]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 23 July 2002]: Some individual National Health Service trusts have submitted "cases of need" in relation to the national allocation of 50 additional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners as outlined in the NHS Cancer Plan. However it is the responsibility of individual cancer networks in partnership with their health authorities to determine the degree of need for their respective populations with regard to access to CT and MRI scanners. There are three cancer networks in the north west, all whom are fully engaged in discussions with the Department and Directorate of Health and Social Care North in assessing the need for CT and MRI scanners.
One of the factors in establishing criteria for the allocation of additional equipment will be the relative provision of CT and MRI services to the population served, together with the efficient use of existing scanners.
We expect the criteria to be published during the summer, following consultation with the new health authorities.