Written question asked by Christopher Gill (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what representations he has received from Wyre Forest District Council regarding Kidderminster Hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from Wyre Forest district council regarding Kidderminster hospital; and if he will make a statement. [160403] Yvette Cooper: Representatives of Wyre Forest district council have written to Ministers on many occasions concerning their opposition to the relocation of services from Kidderminster hospital. However, local general practitioners have publicly confirmed their belief that the move of services for clinical safety reasons was appropriate and local hospital clinicians have been fully engaged in the process. The recently established Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust is also committed to supporting the changes that have taken place and is well placed to strengthen local influence and leadership on health service provision in Kidderminster. The newly approved £13 million Ambulatory Care Centre offers an opportunity to further develop quality services and is good news for Kidderminster, as it maximises an effective and patient-focused service provision within those services that can be provided safely at the hospital.

Secondary information