Oral Answers to Questions

Anne-Marie Trevelyan Excerpts

Tuesday 19th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

The NHS mandate is very clear that we expect the NHS to move towards hitting those constitution standards which we consider to be vital for patients.

[Mrs Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (Con)]

T5. The Secretary of State will be aware of the decision by my Northumberland CCG to close in-patient beds at Rothbury Community Hospital last year. It was done on the premise of underuse, but local sources continue to indicate that it was due to a shortage of nurses at our excellent Northumbria A&E hospital. Following a passionate campaign led by Katie Scott and the Save Rothbury Community Hospital supporters, Northumberland County Council has referred the decision to the Secretary of State for review. I would be grateful if he could update the House on the timescale for a decision.

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Philip Dunne)]

I can confirm that the health and wellbeing overview and scrutiny committee has submitted a request for a review by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel. I understand that officials have reverted to the committee to clarify the terms of the referral. Once that has come through to the Department, I am sure that the review will take place.