HC Deb 17 June 1986 vol 99 c522W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about the provision of special baby care units in the north-western region; and what representations he has received about problems faced by the unit at Hope Hospital in Salford; what assessment he has made of the extent to which the service provided by that unit meets the priority criteria laid down by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitney

In 1984, the latest year for which information is available centrally, there were 20 National Health Service hospitals in the North Western regional health authority with a special baby care unit. Two representations have been received about the unit at Hope hospital. These are being looked into by Salford health authority which is responsible for the provision of maternity services in Salford, in line with advice given by the Maternity Services Advisory Committee. The hon. Member may therefore wish to address any concerns to the chairman of that authority.