§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of accident and emergency services at Oldchurch Hospital in the London borough of Havering. [189247]
§ Mr. HuttonThe effectiveness of local accident and emergency services are assessed by local commissioners.
The national health service is committed to reducing to four hours the maximum wait in accident and emergency from arrival, transfer or discharge by the end of 2004.
Latest figures show that in Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust (of which Oldchurch Hospital is a part of) 87.9 per cent. of patients are spending less than four hours in accident and emergency departments.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many official complaints have been received by the Department about Oldchurch Hospital in the London Borough of Havering in each of the last 10 years. [189252]
§ Mr. HuttonThe information requested is not collected centrally.
Local trusts, in partnership with their health community, have responsibility for local services and the support systems, which they have put in place, and a corresponding responsibility to improve upon these. It is therefore appropriate that they investigate complaints and respond accordingly.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress Oldchurch Hospital it in the London Borough of Havering has made towards meeting the Government's targets for waiting lists. [189253]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department does not collect data for individual hospitals. However, data for Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals National Health1992W Service Trust, of which Oldchurch Hospital is a part, shows that the trust has hit the Government's targets for waiting times.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the management of Oldchurch Hospital in the London Borough of Havering. [189254]
§ Mr. HuttonMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State and Ministers have had no discussions recently with the management of Oldchurch Hospital.
In line with our policy of Shifting the Balance of Power, the Department does not routinely become involved in the day-to-day management of the National Health Service at local level. It is now for primary care trusts (PCTs), in partnership with strategic health authorities, and other local stakeholders to plan develop and improve services for local people.
We recognise that health services are better when management is devolved to the frontline. Within the framework set out in the NHS Plan, and other policy documents, PCTs with their specialised knowledge of the local community are able to effectively manage and improve local services.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to visit Oldchurch Hospital in the London Borough of Havering. [189256]
§ Mr. HuttonThere are currently no plans to visit Oldchurch Hospital in the London Borough of Havering. Any invitations received will be given consideration.