HL Deb 11 June 1990 vol 520 cc3-4

2.50 p.m.

Baroness Masham of Ilton asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many beds have been closed in the orthopaedic and gynaecological specialties in the Riverside Health Authority since 1st January 1990, and what effect these closures have had on standards of patient care and on staff morale in those specialties at the Westminster and Charing Cross hospitals.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hooper)

My Lords, since 1st January there has been no reduction in orthopaedic beds. However, the 44 elective orthopaedic beds provided at the Royal Masonic Hospital were reduced to 34 in November 1989. These beds have now been moved to the Westminster Hospital. There has also been a net reduction of nine gynaecology beds provided at the Westminster and Charing Cross hospitals. There has been no deterioration in the standard of patient care at the Westminster and Charing Cross hospitals and I understand that the staff involved have accepted the changes made.

Baroness Masham of Ilton

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for that Answer. Is she aware that I am a resident in the Riverside health district and that I have attended two of the clinics at the Westminster Hospital? Is she further aware that it is worrying for patients to see the stress and pressure on the services? Does she realise that the medical students need people coming from outside the Riverside health district if they are to gain medical achievement and training?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, the reorganisation of the beds which relate to Westminster Hospital was announced in April. On the whole, the arrangement is in the best interests of patients.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, I was surprised to hear the Minister say that there would be no effect on patient care. Is she aware that the district manager, Mr. David Knowles, at the time of the announcement of the bed closures, said that the total effect on patients would be very significant indeed. No one could deny that its impact on London was traumatic in the extreme. At a time when there are bed closures in many parts of the country, is it at all surprising that the Secretary of State yesterday used the occasion of a television programme to argue his case for more funds for the National Health Service?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, I believe that my right honourable friend the Secretary of State always does his best to argue for more funds for the National Health Service. He has been very effective in doing so. The arrangements made for the transfer and reorganisation of specialties and beds within the Riverside district have been made with a view to providing the best possible results for patients.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, is it true that as the Minister said on 25th April, these bed closures will be reviewed on 31st March but that it is unlikely that they will be reopened?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, the regional health authority has recently referred the matter to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State. It is now under consideration but a final decision has not been taken.

Baroness Masham of Ilton

My Lords, does the Minister agree that Westminster is a special case because of the many tourists and people who work in that district?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, Westminster is a special case for many reasons, including those mentioned by the noble Baroness. This factor is taken into account in making decisions.

Lord Taylor of Blackburn

My Lords, may I ask the Minister when a final decision will be made?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, the noble Lord may certainly ask that, but I am afraid that I am not able to give him an answer.