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Health Services: North East

Volume 490: debated on Monday 23 March 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has given approval to the transfer of the Sir Martin Roth Unit at Newcastle General Hospital to Prudhoe; and if he will make a statement. (264725)

The Sir Martin Roth Unit, formerly based at Newcastle General Hospital, was transferred to Prudhoe Hospital in May 2008. The North East Strategic Health Authority reports that the transfer took place following consultation with service users, parents, carers, stakeholders and staff. A joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee of local authorities agreed to the proposals on 21 September 2007. The transfer of the unit did not require the approval of the Secretary of State for Health, as proposals for the reconfiguration of services are a matter for the national health service locally, working in conjunction with clinicians, patients and other stakeholders.