§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the procedure for temporary closure of hospital wards is working well; whether he will consider the requirement to give three months' notice of such intention; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI am satisfied that, following the issue of further guidance by the Department last December, the procedures for temporary closure are now working well. These procedures already include a requirement that three months be allowed for consultation on all substantial closures save in genuine cases of urgency when, subject to adequate safeguards, the period may be shortened or dispensed with altogether. This flexibility is necessary in order to deal with the varying circumstances in which the need for temporary closures can arise.