HC Deb 08 May 1967 vol 746 cc1048-9
16. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the light of the representations made to him since 12th April, he will reconsider his decision to permit the withdrawal of support from St. Teresa's Hospital, Wimbledon, by the National Health Service.

40. Mr. A. Royle

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the discussions between honourable Members of this House and the Chairman of the Regional Board, he will now reconsider his decision regarding St. Teresa's Hospital, Wimbledon, and retain the National Health Service maternity beds at the hospital.

Mr. K. Robinson

No, Sir; no new evidence has emerged which would lead me to question the regional board's decision.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that answer will cause great disappointment in south-west London? Does he think that the hospital service can flout public opinion—which is so deeply aroused in this matter—without its suffering detriment? How does he think that he can rely on the advice of the chairman of a regional hospital board who is not prepared to go eight miles from his office to see the hospital which it is proposed to destroy?

Mr. Robinson

There is no question whatever of destroying this hospital. The right hon. Gentleman does not help his case by speaking in such exaggerated terms. I can only repeat my hope that St. Teresa's will be willing to discuss with the board ways in which it can provide a service to the community in future. I understand that the chairman of the regional hospital board hopes to meet the joint chairman and treasurer of the board of management of the hospital next week to discuss the matter.

Mr. Royle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that answer is very unsatisfactory in view of the large public demonstration that took place yesterday? Is he aware that his attitude is considered by the general public in the constituencies served by the hospital as intolerably arrogant, and will he now take steps to ask Lord Addison to see him in order to look into the whole matter again?

Mr. Robinson

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend realise that they are doing a grave disservice to private hospitals generally by their support of this campaign, in that they will make regional hospital boards less likely and less anxious to enter into contractual arrangements in the future.

Mr. Braine

I am fully aware that a policy of concentrating facilities in large district general hospitals inevitably means a reduction of demand in non-vested and private hospitals, but has not the right hon. Gentleman been impressed by the weight of advocacy from both sides, which can only reflect on the high quality of the service which St. Teresa's has been providing? Even at this late hour could not he intervene personally in order to secure some compromise?

Mr. Robinson

I recognise that the demonstrations and the campaign reflect satisfaction that this hospital has given to the local community. This is something that I have never denied.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek permission to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.