§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if a final decision has been taken to close the Duchess of York Hospital in Manchester.
§ Mr. MoyleNo. Proposals for reorganising hospital services for children in the Manchester area were set out in a consultative document issued by the Manchester Area Health Authority on 23rd December 1977, on which the statutory and voluntary organisations concerned have been asked to comment by 31st March 1978. The document proposes that the Duchess of York Hospital should in future be used to provide residential, assessment and day facilities for mentally and physically handicapped children.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received opposing any plans to close the Duchess of York Hospital in Manchester.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what alternative arrangements will be made for future patients in the North-West area who would normally be admitted to the Duchess of York Hospital in Manchester in the event of this hospital closing; and what assurances he can give that no overcrowding will result in surrounding hospitals.
§ Mr. MoyleThe consultative document issued by the Manchester Area Health Authority (Teaching) envisages a number of additions and improvements to the existing facilities at Monsall, Booth Hall, St. Mary's, Wythenshawe and Withington Hospitals. It is the authority's responsibility to take into account the overall demand for children's services in the area,58W and the adequacy of resources to meet them, in any decision they take.