§ Lord Clement-Jonesasked Her Majesty's Government
What is the current status of the bid by the Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital with the Royal Free Trust for new hospital development. [HL2628]
§ Baroness Andrews:We can confirm that the Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital within the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust is one of the elements of the London Chain which is part of the national procurement exercise for independent sector diagnosis and treatment centres.
The procurement exercise is on-going and invitations to negotiate for the London Chain were issued to a shortlist of independent providers at the beginning of April. The elements of the London Chain are intended to be operational by March 2005, or earlier if the independent sector can deliver accordingly.