Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 26 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 October 2006. It was answered by Andy Burnham (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 November 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the decision was taken to require budget reductions to cover the budget deficit of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust; what discussions he has had with members of the Trust on the recent budget reductions; and what assessment he has made of the effect on patients of the planned reductions.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.The board of the University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service Trust (UHL) agreed a package of savings at their board meeting on 5 October 2006. The trust board also discussed making further savings at an extraordinary board meeting on 19 October 2006.My right hon. Friend has had no discussions with members of the trust on budget issues in her role as Secretary of State for Health. However, as a Member for a Leicester constituency, she does have a range of discussions with the trust and others on local matters. This has included meetings with the chief executive, the chairman and the director of strategic development of the trust on a number of occasions throughout the year.Responsibility for local health services now lies with the local NHS and decisions on the configuration of local health services are taken at a local level.Responsibility for local health services now lies with the local NHS and decisions on the configuration of local health services are taken at a local level.

Secondary information