NHS: Hospital Services Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department of Health and Social Care
Lord Campbell-Savours
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NHS: Hospital Services
Lord Campbell-Savours Excerpts(11 years, 5 months ago)
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Earl Howe
I agree with my noble friend and that is why work is currently being done under the leadership of Sir Bruce Keogh in the Department of Health to examine the scope for greater 24/7 working. She is right that this is important, not just for the benefit of patients but also to make the NHS more efficient and effective in deploying its staff and assets.
Lord Campbell-Savours
If services are carried forward as the noble Earl suggested, how does that influence estimates?
Earl Howe
We have reverted to the previous Question, if I am not mistaken. The departmental expenditure limit is set by the Treasury. My own department is in the fortunate position of knowing that it has real-terms increases every year of this Parliament; however, if the department has an underspend that cannot be carried forward, yes, some money has to be returned to the Treasury.