Health: Funding

Baroness Randerson Excerpts

Tuesday 1st November 2011 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, nothing in the Government’s plans will impede the flow of Welsh patients into England. I can give the noble Lord that reassurance.

[Baroness Randerson]

The increased sensitivity to local needs which will be created by the reorganisation of the health service is to be welcomed, but in practice there will be more organisations involved which will need to co-operate. Does the Minister agree that this will need strong ministerial guidance for all affected organisations to follow if individual patients are not to suffer delays?

[Earl Howe]

I agree with my noble friend. The NHS Commissioning Board will have a duty to consider the likely impact of commissioning decisions on the provision of health services to people living close to the border with England, wherever they may be.