To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department has issued to strategic health authorities on (a) the closure of hospitals and (b) the transfer of hospital services to alternative locations. (240845)

Proposals for the reconfiguration of services are a matter for the national health service locally working in conjunction with clinicians, patients and other stakeholders.

Leading Local Change, published by the Department in May this year, makes very clear that any changes to the NHS have to be locally led and clinically driven, built upon a sound clinical case for change. A copy of the publication has been placed in the Library.