§ 31. Mr. Gurdenasked the Minister of Health what is the amount of surplus operating and bed accommodation in hospitals in Birmingham.
§ Mr. LoughlinNil, Sir; changes in distribution and use of accommodation may occur as the new developments envisaged in the Hospital Building Programme are completed.
§ Mr. GurdenIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the new development will create difficulty by taking Moseley Hall Hospital from the ear, nose and throat service, and that this is a very unsatisfactory decision for the people of Birmingham?
§ Mr. LoughlinNo, Sir. The Moseley Hall Hospital is being closed for major repairs due to dry rot. It will be open within the next few weeks. There is a plan to introduce into the grounds a substantial geriatric unit, but any change of use of the Moseley Hall Hospital will have to be considered by my right hon. Friend who would take into account all the circumstances at the time.
§ Mrs. KnightDoes the hon. Gentleman's reply mean that when Moseley Hall is reopened, it will be merely a geriatric unit, or will E.N.T. provision continue to be made there?
§ Mr. LoughlinWhen Moseley Hall is reopened, existing services, that is, those which existed prior to its closure for repair, will continue. The other is an additional scheme. If the hospital board wishes to change the use of the hospital, that must go to my right hon. Friend.