§ Dr. Evan HarrisTo ask the Secretary of Slate for Health whether the University hospital of Hartlepool is compliant with the European Working Time Directive; and what steps are being taken to ensure it is compliant. [188815]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 14 September 2004]: The Working Time Directive (WTD) is a legal requirement on which implementation is being taken forward locally.
Validated information relating to individual trusts is not collected centrally. The WTD is a regal requirement and strategic health authorities are working with their trusts to support delivery.
§ Dr. Evan HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he has(a) received and (b) reconsidered the draft consultation document on the future of North Tees and Hartlepool Hospital Services produced by the Tees Services Review; [188816]
(2) whether the University Hospital of Hartlepool at Holdforth Road will continue to provide (a) in-patient paediatrics, (b) consultant-led obstetric deliveries, (c) emergency surgery and (d) accident and emergency services for trauma and major injuries after the implementation of the Tees Services Review; [188817]
(3) what terms of reference he has issued to Professor Dargi regarding the planned review of hospital services by the Tees Health Services Review. [188818]
1758WS
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 14 September 2004]: I am aware of the thinking emerging from the Tees Services Review. The Department has asked Professor Ara Darzi to carry out a further review, working with the County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority. Professor Darzi's terms of reference are:
To consider how the fullest possible range of services can be maintained at Hartlepool Hospital, taking into account work already undertaken in the course of the Tees Services Review and the wider context of proposed provision of primary and secondary care services, both north and south of the Tees; to report by the end of October 2004.Proposals for the future of health services in the Tees Valley will be developed further in the light of Professor Darzi's work. This will include detailed proposals for services to be provided at Hartlepool Hospital. Consultation of the public and patients will then follow.
As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already confirmed—8 June 2004, Official Report,column 132—Hartlepool will still have a full and proper hospital service after the review has taken place.