Written question asked by Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 13 December 2010.

Health: Burnley General Hospital

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following the decision of the Lancashire Health Scrutiny Committee to refer to the Secretary of State the closure of the Deerplay children’s ward at Burnley General Hospital and the transfer of its functions to the Royal Blackburn Hospital, (a) when a decision by the Secretary of State is expected, and (b) what steps have been taken to prevent the movement of staff and equipment to Blackburn pending the decision of the Secretary of State.

Answer: On 30 November 2010, the Lancashire County Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee referred proposals for service change under the Meeting Patients' Needs programme to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State has asked the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) for its initial advice. The IRP will provide initial advice to the Secretary of State for Health no later than 21 January 2011. At its board meeting on 1 December 2010, NHS North West discussed whether the proposed changes to paediatric services should proceed. Based on advice from national and local paediatricians, the board decided changes should proceed on the grounds of clinical safety. However, the board also agreed that no irreversible changes should be made until the advice from the IRP has been considered.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4670; 723 c124WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Children Closures Hospital wards Paediatrics Burnley Hospital Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk