Storthes Hall Hospital, Huddersfield

HC Deb 25 March 1963 vol 674 c927

12. Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

asked the Minister of Health what plans he has for the future of Storthes Hall Hospital, Huddersfield.

Mr. Braine

To improve conditions as the number of patients declines.

Mr. Mallalieu

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that uncertainty about the future life of this hospital has been causing a good deal of concern to the staff there, that the money that has recently been spent on the hospital has made most of it extremely efficient, and could we know that there will be a use for it for the next quarter of a century?

Mr. Braine

I do not think anybody could put a time limit of that kind on any hospital in the country, however efficiently it is run. No decision will be taken to close this hospital for some years to come, and then it would only be taken after the most detailed consideration and consultation.