HC Deb 10 July 1984 vol 63 c871
10. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the future of Thorpe hospital.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Thorpe hospital is the responsibility of Sunderland district health authority. However, I understand the health authority is considering proposals for the expansion of maternity facilities at Sunderland general hospital, which would allow the transfer of inpatient maternity services from Thorpe hospital.

Mr. Dormand

Does the Minister realise that it would be a disgrace for this hospital to close? If a hospital enjoys the complete confidence of the community that it serves, is centrally situated and has a proper work load, as well as a below average mortality rate, what possible reason can there be for closing it? Thorpe hospital meets all of those criteria, so will the Minister put a stop to all the nonsensical talk of closure?

Mr. Clarke

The hon. Gentleman is a little early in raising the matter, because the health authority has not begun to consult about the proposal. If it does consult and decides to go ahead and the matter becomes controversial, it will eventually come to the Minister for a decision. I assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall approve a proposal to close the hospital only if we are satisfied that that is in the interests of the patients. That will mean taking account of any and all of the arguments, including those raised by the hon. Gentleman as well as local medical opinion and the balance of advantages to the service.

Mr. Boyes

Is the Minister aware that I am a constituent of my hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Mr. Dormand)? My family has taken advantage of this hospital on two occasions. This is an outrageous attack on the facilities and an incredible decision. The Minister's explanation today is unacceptable to the people in our area. Will he reach a decision about the matter as early as possible?

Mr. Clarke

I realise that the hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Dormand) has more than one constituency problem, but I agree that this is quite a serious one. I shall take account of the hon. Gentleman's remarks, but I must ask both hon. Members to look at the issue dispassionately. Ultimately, one has to make an objective judgment as to what is in the best interests of patients and mothers-to-be who live in the area.