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Health Care in London

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. We must always consider the evidence, and the evidence shows that patients will receive better outcomes when they are treated in specific hospitals that have a high volume of particular clinical work. The changes are about patients being seen by the right people in the right place with the right equipment at the right time. Some difficult and sensitive issues have been touched on in the debate, and we are sensitive to the views of colleagues and their constituents on these matters—particularly to the wisdom that has been shown by my right hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Frank Dobson) regarding the way in which all such consultations should be conducted—because the outcome is about safer patient care. We must remain focused on the fundamental aims of the changes, which are to improve health care in London. The changes will save thousands of lives, will improve health outcomes in relation to major diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke, and will improve the overall quality of other health services to reduce disability and prevent pressure from being placed on our acute hospitals. Change is necessary to improve services, and we cannot and must not back away from the problems. Ministers have made it clear tonight that any changes in London must follow an agreed set of principles.