To ask the Secretary of State for Health when her Department expects to sign a contract for the provision of elective surgery at Cirencester hospital. (115167)

The proposed provision of elective surgery at Cirencester hospital is part of a wider scheme for the provision of services by an independent sector provider across the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area. United Kingdom Specialist Hospitals (UKSH) was appointed as the preferred bidder for the scheme in August 2006. Commercial negotiations with UKSH have continued since that time. Contract signature is anticipated in spring 2007 and services are expected to commence in summer 2008.

Proceedings for permission to bring a Judicial Review claim in relation to this contract have been served. The permission proceedings are being opposed. Until the outcome of these proceedings is known, it is not possible to know whether the timetable to sign this contract will need to be delayed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Gloucester Partnership trust has any plans (a) to curtail and (b) to move any of the NHS services which are provided at the Cirencester memorial hospital. (115169)

Gloucestershire Partnership national health service trust plans to continue providing community-based specialist mental health services in Cirencester, including out-patient services and assessment and treatment. However, the Memorial Centre is not fit for providing modern mental health services and the trust needs to ensure that it discharges its responsibilities in relation to health and safety at work and disabled persons’ access.

The trust is therefore seeking an alternative location in Cirencester. The trust will share any relocation proposals with patients and the public locally before a final decision is taken and has confirmed that there will be no gaps in service provision during relocation.

Until an alternative location is found, the Memorial Centre will continue to be used by staff to provide a range of services, including primary care assessment treatment, recovery and crisis teams, psychological therapy, substance misuse and eating disorder services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether there are any plans to reduce the hours of accident and emergency treatment at Cirencester memorial hospital. (115170)

Decisions about local services are taken by local national health service organisations. NHS South West has advised officials that there are no accident and emergency services at Cirencester memorial day hospital. I understand that there is a minor injuries unit service at Cirencester hospital, and that there are no changes planned to that service.