§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to establish diagnostic and treatment centres at(a) Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and (b) Barnet and Chase Farm Trust; when he expects such centres to become operational; and if he will make a statement. [98937]
§ Mr. HuttonThe need for additional capacity was identified in north central London and this was included in the December procurement exercise for independent sector Diagnosis Treatment Centres (DTCs).
A DTC at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital was also included in the December procurement exercise for independent sector DTCs.
The two DTCs are intended to be operational as soon after contract close as the independent sector can mobilise and in any event by March 2005.