§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the progress of phases IV and IVb extension to the Walsall district general hospital and of phase V ; and what further development is now planned for improved and extended hospital facilities for Walsall.
§ Dr. VaughanProposals for building phases IV and IVb of Walsall district general hospital have recently been received by the Department and are 69W being considered. The West Midlands RHA is planning to commence construction in April 1982. As to further development of the DGH, the RHA is considering how best to extend provision in Walsall in the light of the recently published consultation paper "The Future Pattern of Hospital Provision in England." Other plans to develop hospital services include major extensions to the out-patient department at the Manor hospital and an upgrading programme at St. Margaret's hospital, which includes four new mental health units currently under construction. The RHA's operational capital programme 1981–82—1984–85 also envisages the construction of a community hospital at Aldridge and the redevelopment of Goscote hospital for long-stay patients.