London Chest Hospital, Arlesey

HC Deb 10 December 1962 vol 669 cc20-1

41. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement about the imminent closing of the London Chest Hospital at Arlesey, Bedfordshire; how many of the staff will be re-employed at the Three Counties Hospital; how many will be found alternative employment; how many will be redundant; and what the redundancy terms are to be.

Mr. Braine

This was announced in October, 1961, and the staff informed. Nearly all have been interviewed; 30 have been offered employment at Three Counties Hospital and more are being considered; at least 39 will be employed in other hospitals and others are retiring or making their own arrangements. Redundancy terms will be as in the circulars, of which I am sending my hon. Friend copies.

Mr. Hastings

I am grateful for the figures, which do not deny that nevertheless there may be redundancies. Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a great deal of uncertainty amongst the staff at this hospital in view of the fact that the interviews referred to only took place on 3rd December last, and that as late as November advertisements appeared in the local Press advertising jobs at hospitals in the area without any prior notice being given to the staff under threat. Is he entirely satisfied that the board of governors of this hospital has complied with his own instruction, and I quote HM 60/47: Hospital authorities with redundant staff for whom they cannot themselves provide alternative employment should take steps at the earliest possible stage to bring their names to the notice of neighbouring hospital authorities. Will my hon. Friend look personally at this case to make sure that everything possible is done?

Mr. Braine

Yes, certainly, I will make sure as my hon. Friend requests. I understand that the board of governors who administer Arlesey have asked the regional body to assist in placing staff who do not wish to move to other hospitals in the teaching group. I think the arrangements I have outlined in my Answer and the supplementary answer indicate that the matter is being taken care of.