Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 6 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 October 2006. It was answered by Andy Burnham (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

NHS Decision-making

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria are used on decisions on where to locate (a) accident and emergency departments and (b) other NHS facilities; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: It is for the local national health service in consultation with local stakeholders to determine the criteria for making decisions on the location of NHS services, including emergency and urgent care services.The Department issued in October 2006 Direction of Travel for Urgent Care: a discussion document that suggests a set of principles for urgent care. The views received from key stakeholders on the discussion document will be used to develop a framework within which primary care trusts and local authorities can work to ensure that the provision of urgent care services reflects local need.

Secondary information