§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has issued any guidelines on the centralisation of maternity services on to one site in each health district, and on the provision of a special care baby unit in conjunction with maternity units; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyGeneral guidelines on the siting of maternity and neonatal units were contained in the second and third reports of the maternity services advisory committee, which have been commended to health authorities for action; and also in the recent draft guidance680W on the planning and design of new maternity departments at district general hospitals, which has been issued for consultation.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many district health authorities provide maternity services from (a) more than one site and (b) only one site;
(2) if he will publish in the Official Report (i) the total number of maternity units in England and Wales and (ii) the number of maternity units which include a special care baby unit.
§ Mr. WhitneyI shall let the hon. Member have the available information as soon as possible.