HC Deb 05 May 1975 vol 891 cc353-4W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what facilities exist for the special care of newborn babies in Burton-on-Trent; and if she will take steps to improve the situation.

Dr. Owen

Babies from Burton-on Trent needing special care are usually admitted to the Sorrento Maternity Hospital, Birmingham, although some may be referred to the Good Hope Hospital or Marston Green Maternity Hospital. The provision of a special care baby unit at Burton-on-Trent will be among the schemes to be considered by the health authorities as part of their review of forward plans to which my right hon. Friend referred in her reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston, North (Mr. Atkins) on 15th April.— (Vol. 890, c.85–8.]

Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with the number of social workers in sup port of the paediatric service in Burton on-Trent; and whether steps are being taken by her Department to increase that number.

Mr. Alec Jones

It is the responsibility of the Staffordshire County Council, after consultation with the area health authority to decide how many social workers are needed to carry out its services and how they should be deployed. Five social workers and three assistants are currently employed in Burton-on-Trent and any decision to increase these numbers is a matter for the local authority in the light of local priorities and resources, and of the advice issued to local authorities by my Department in the joint circular of 23rd December 1974—Department of Health and Social Security reference Local Authority Circular (74) (36).

Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current position with regard to the availability of a child psychiatrist in Burtonon-Trent; and if she will take steps to improve the situation.

Dr. Owen

Children from Burton-on-Trent are usually referred to the child psychiatric clinic at Lichfield or to St. Matthews Hospital, Burntwood. I understand the health authorities are considering the need for a post of child psychiatrist in Burton-on-Trent.