Wales: NHS
20th June 2011
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with the First Minister of the Welsh Government on the effects of the proposed changes to the NHS in England on (a) the NHS in Wales and (b) cross-border provision of health services; and if she will make a statement.
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), and I have discussed the Health and Social Care Bill with ministerial colleagues in the Department of Health. The Wales Office and the Department of Health will continue to work closely with the Welsh Government on the provisions in the Bill impacting on the NHS in Wales. In agreement with the Welsh Government, the coalition Government have renewed the existing Cross Border health services protocol for a further year until 31 March 2012. This will allow time for the structure of the new commissioning arrangements in England to emerge more clearly before more detailed consideration is given to cross border provision of services.
