Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will commission an independent review of the evidence base supporting the case for change before approving any sustainability and transformation plan.
Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) are led by local clinicians in the best interests of patients. Local areas, including commissioners, providers and local authorities, have come together to decide how to improve services. No changes will occur without the normal local consultation. When any substantial service reconfiguration is proposed, STPs must deliver on the four tests of service reconfiguration, including using a clear clinical evidence base that supports the change.