Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Daniel Kawczynski and Steve Brine

Tuesday 4th July 2017 Commons Chamber

[Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con)]

9. What guidance he provides to clinical commissioning groups on decision-making processes to improve healthcare provision.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Steve Brine)]

Clinical commissioning groups, as statutory organisations, have a duty to deliver the best possible services and outcomes for patients within their financial allocation. NHS England supports them in this by providing several sets of guidance, as do the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and other arm’s length bodies.

[Daniel Kawczynski]

I thank the Minister for that answer. He will know that the clinically driven Future Fit process in Shropshire could lead to hundreds of millions of pounds of investment in our local hospital. That is being jeopardised by Telford CCG and Labour-controlled Telford council. When there is this gridlock and impasse between two local CCGs over a long period of time, what more can the Government do to break the deadlock?

[Steve Brine]

I am aware that my hon. Friend has been concerned about this for a long time. An independent review of Future Fit is taking place, and he will know that Professor Simon Brake has been appointed as the independent chair of the joint committee of CCGs, agreed between them both. The review will report in July and be considered by the local CCGs before next steps, including on public consultation, are decided. Clear rules apply to any significant reconfigurations and I expect these to be followed in Shropshire as anywhere else.