To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with officials of North Central London Health Authorities on the provision of accident and emergency departments; and what consultation there has been on the future provision of emergency and intensive care facilities. (318020)

There have been no specific discussions between the Secretary of State for Health and officials of North Central London Health Authorities on this specific subject.

However, I met with representatives from NHS London, and the chief executives of the Whittington Hospital NHS Trust and Islington PCT on 2 December 2009 in advance of the Adjournment debate entitled ‘The future of Whittington Hospital’. NHS staff brief Ministers on their local reconfiguration plans in order to support parliamentary business and do so as necessary.