HC Deb 15 March 1982 vol 20 cc10-1
10. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received regarding the threatened closure of the Prince of Wales orthopaedic hospital, Rhydlafar.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

We have received 86 representations and a petition of more than 170, 000 signatures, which was presented to the Welsh Office last Wednesday by a deputation of which the hon. Gentleman was a member.

Mr. Evans

There were actually more than 180, 000 signatures and they demonstrate the very strong feelings in Wales. Has the hon. Gentleman seen the letter in today's Western Mail from Mr. Meurig Williams, who has done pioneering work on spinal injuries? Will the hon. Gentleman reject the claim of the South Glamorgan health authority that one reason why the hospital is to be closed is the failure to recruit nurses? There were 200 applications for seven jobs at the hospital.

Mr. Roberts

I ought to make the position clear. No decision has been taken on the future of the hospital. The South Glamorgan health authority has approved closure in principle. There are consultations involving the Mid-Glamorgan and Gwent area health authorities and those consultations will finish at the end of this month. Of course, the consultations involve proposals for alternative services for orthopaedic patients, which would result in an additional 42 beds. The health authorities will obviously consult further after the end of the consultation period and will, or will not, make proposals to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Mr. Kinnock

Are not the health authorities, including South Glamorgan, making decisions and even going to consultation under the duress of severe cuts in resources for the Health Service in Wales, which make them offer the option of the closure of a hospital which, in other circumstances, they would not want to close?

Mr. Roberts

I must disillusion the hon. Gentleman. He has forgotten that the Welsh Office offered £800, 000 to South Glamorgan in 1980, and that offer has not been taken up. I also remind the hon. Gentleman of what I said earlier. The consultative proposals under discussion involve an increase of 42 beds.

Mr. Coleman

Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that the reason for the public concern over the proposed closure of Rhydlafar is the renown of the hospital, because of the work done both on the present site and, formerly, in Richmond Road, Cardiff? Will he undertake to explore every avenue to ensure that the necessary finance is made available to keep the hospital in being—it is clear from his previous answer that he has given some consideration to the matter—so that the specialist treatment that the hospital has given over the years, especially to children, continues, thus avoiding the long waiting lists in orthopaedic wards in other parts of Wales?

Mr. Roberts

I fully appreciate the affection in which the hospital and its staff are held by the people whom they serve in South Wales. My right hon. Friend has an open mind about the future of the hospital and I am sure that he will take every aspect into consideration.