§ Mr. Tony ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations have been held on the location for the new acute hospital in the South West of Northern Ireland; what discussions he has had on this with(a) his predecessor and (b) members of the suspended executive; and what views they held. [157439]
§ Angela SmithThe report of the Acute Hospitals Review Group, which included a recommendation on the location of the new acute hospital for the South West, was issued for consultation between 30 June 2001 and 31 October 2001. The paper "Developing Better Services: Modernising Hospitals and Reforming Structures", which set out proposals for future hospital services in Northern Ireland including the location of the new acute hospital for the South West, was issued for consultation between 12 June 2002 and 31 October 2002. I have had no discussions on this matter with my predecessor, Des Browne, or with former members of the Executive Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly. I have, however, held discussions with a number of MLAs who have requested to meet me to give me their views on the implications of the decision on the location for the new acute hospital for the South West. These views have extended from a wish to have the decision overturned to a concern to have enhanced services for people in the Tyrone and Mid-Ulster area.