HC Deb 11 June 1968 vol 766 cc2-3
1. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on the future of the Adela Shaw Orthopaedic Hospital, Kirbymoorside.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Kenneth Robinson)

This is being considered by the Leeds Regional Hospital Board, which is consulting local interests. I have not yet received any formal proposal.

Mr. Turton

Is the Minister aware that the procedure laid down in circular 1958 has been disregarded in this case in that the Board has reached a decision, communicated it to the staff of the hospital and held a Press conference, at which it described the closure as inevitable, before local interests were consulted and before a local inquiry was held? What action does the Minister intend to take to put this right?

Mr. Robinson

This is not my information. I am informed that local consultations are now proceeding and that the Board has not yet decided what proposals to put forward. I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has arranged to meet the Board at an early date. I should not like to make any further statement until I have a proposal from the Board.

Mr. Michael Shaw

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this hospital draws patients from a very wide area, much of which is very isolated, particularly in winter, and that, therefore, it is necessary to take into account the real needs of the locality before any decision is taken?

Mr. Robinson

The hon. Gentleman knows that all decisions to close hospitals are made by me, and one of the factors I always take into account is the adequacy of alternative arrangements.