Maternity Services (Sussex)

HC Deb 13 October 1976 vol 917 cc141-2W

Mr. Higgins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects maternity facilities to be available at Worthing Hospital.

Mr. Moyle

There are no immediate proposals. The West Sussex Area Health Authority and the South-West Thames Regional Health Authority are preparing strategic plans for the development of their services during the next 10–15 years. It is for them to consider the priority which should be given to the provision of new maternity facilities, within the resources likely to be available to them.

Mr. Higgins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the longest journey from the periphery of the area served by Southlands Hospital which will have to be travelled by anyone using maternity services of that hospital if the maternity unit at Zachary Merton Hospital is closed down.

Mr. Moyle

The maximum distance is estimated at about 20 miles. Facilities are also available at Chichester in the neighbouring health district. I await a recommendation from the regional health authority on the future of Zachary Merton Hospital.