§ Sir Gerard Vaughanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many National Health Service hospitals have been closed in Berkshire since May 1979; how many National Health Service beds have been withdrawn as a consequence; and how many National Health Service beds have been withdrawn as a result of major downgradings.
§ Mr. HayhoeSince May 1979 four hospitals in Berkshire have been closed. At the time of the closures a total of 230 National Health Service beds had been in use in these four hospitals. This compares with a bed availability of some 4,000 across the whole of the two health districts in Berkshire. Facilities have been provided elsewhere to meet patient needs. The services reprovided318W include general acute beds, beds for the elderly and elderly mentally ill, and facilities for people with mental handicaps.
There has been no loss of beds as a result of "downgrading" or deterioration in building fabric.