§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to ensure a smooth handover from the boards and management of the Stoke Mandeville Hospital NHS Trust and the South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust to the new Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust from 1 April; [92806]
(2) when he will announce the names of (a) the Chief Executive designate and (b) the Directors-designate of the Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust. [92807]
§ Ms Blears[holding answers 23 January 2003]A comprehensive project plan for the development of the new Buckinghamshire Hospitals National Health Service Trust and for the transfer of the functions and responsibilities of the Stoke Mandeville Hospital NHS Trust and South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust has been in place for some time.
The plan covers, among many other things, the appointment of the chair and chief executive, the transfer arrangements for staff and legal aspects of property and finance.
Interviews will take place shortly for the post of chief executive and an announcement will be made as soon as possible. The appointment of executive directors will follow this.