§ Mr. Roseasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the concern caused to residents in the Manchester area by the closure of part of St. Mary's Hospital due to shortage of midwives; and whether he will take steps to remedy this shortage.
§ Sir B. StrossNo part of St. Mary's Hospital is at present closed but the board of governors has had to restrict bookings to ensure that excessive pressure on the 137W staff does not lead to the care of patients falling below an acceptable standard. The remedy is to provide more maternity beds to serve the Manchester area and it is expected that a new maternity unit of 80 beds at Wythenshawe will be opened about the middle of next year.