HC Deb 23 July 1985 vol 83 cc476-7W
Mr. Beggs

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many physiotherapists have been employed at the Royal Victoria hospital, Belfast in each of the last three financial years for which records are available.

Mr. Chris Patten

The information requested, expressed in whole-time equivalent terms, is as follows:

Number
1 April 1983 42.1
1 April 1984 39.3
1 April 1985 39.3

The current whole-time equivalent number is 38.1.

Mr. Beggs

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the level of proposed cutback in expenditure in the physiotherapy department at the Royal Victoria hospital, Belfast for 1985–86 and 1986–87.

Mr. Chris Patten

This is a matter for the Eastern health and social services board, but I understand that the physiotherapy department has been set a savings target of £65,330 for the current financial year.

Mr. Beggs

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if there will be any reduction in the number of physiotherapists presently employed at the Royal Victoria hospital, Belfast during 1985–86 and 1986–87.

Mr. Chris Patten

This is a matter for the Eastern health and social services board. However, I understand that no decision has yet been taken on whether staffing levels in the physiotherapy department at the Royal Victoria hospital will be reduced.

Mr. Beggs

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to seek to ensure that the standard of care for patients requiring physiotherapy at the Royal Victoria hospital, Belfast, is maintained and that staffing levels in the physiotherapy department are consistent with the required level of service.

Mr. Chris Patten

This is a matter for the Eastern health and social services board since the staffing levels for specific services at individual hospitals can only be determined in the light of local priorities and needs. I can, however, assure the hon. Gentleman that I share his interest in ensuring that standards of care for patients are maintained. I have therefore drawn his concern about this matter to the attention of the chairman of the Eastern board.