§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of specialist services for cleft lip and palate at Alderhey Hospital, Liverpool; [115918]
(2) what plans he has for consultation on the future of specialist cleft lip and palate services in the North West; and if he will make a statement. [115919]
§ Dr. Ladyman[holding answers 4 June 2003]: The formal consultation on cleft lip and palate services in the North West is expected to commence in late June/ beginning of July 2003.
The three strategic health authorities in the North West; Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside and Cumbria and Lancashire, will be the formal consulting bodies. It is proposed that one consultation document will be published and circulated to a wide range of organisations, in accordance with the new arrangements for patient and public involvement.
425WThe assessment of cleft lip and palate services at the Alderhey Hospital, Liverpool will be encompassed in the formal consultation of the future of cleft lip and palate services in the North West.