Written question asked by Vincent Cable (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 Monday, 30 October 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Ravenscourt Park Hospital

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors were taken into consideration when deciding to close Ravenscourt Park hospital.

Answer: This was a local decision.I understand that the decision to close Ravenscourt Park hospital was taken by the Hammersmith hospitals national health service trust after detailed financial and predicted patient analysis. Having successfully reduced waits for orthopaedic services in north west London the extra capacity offered by Ravenscourt Park hospital is no longer required. Improved efficiency and reduced waiting lists now mean that north west London has more capacity than it needs to achieve the 18-week target and to provide patients with a range of choice over where they are treated.

Secondary information