§ Mr. Speedasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) by what date it was estimated the new hospital at Walsgrave, Coventry, would admit its first in-patients;
(2) when he now expects the new hospital at Walsgrave, Coventry, to admit its first in-patiens;
(3) on what date he estimates the ear, nose and throat unit for in-patients at Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry, will be open;
(4) what are the reasons for the delay in opening the hospital at Walsgrave, Coventry.
§ Mr. CrossmanPatients are expected to be admitted to the new ward block of the Walsgrave Hospital towards the end of April, instead of in March as had been planned. The delay has been caused by difficulties, which are being overcome, in the provision and installation of equipment and with the heating system. The new ward block will be brought into use gradually and patients are expected to be admitted to the ear, nose and throat unit in about four months time.
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§ Mr. Speedasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present monthly cost of running the new hospital at Walsgrave, Coventry.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe monthly running costs of the new maternity hospital at Walsgrave are at present about £31,000. Monthly expenditure on the new ward block, mainly the cost of staff recruited for training in advance of the opening, is currently about £50,000. The monthly expenditure will rise gradually to about £130,000 as the block is brought into full use.