§ Mr. Corbynasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what plans exist to close the geriatric ward at St. George's hospital, Semington; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he is satisfied that Bath district health authority have acted in accordance with the service circular in halting geriatric admissions to St. George's, Semington, and all admissions to Melksham hospital; and if he will make a statement;
(3) why admissions to Melksham hospital were stopped on 20 July; and what alternatives are available;
(4) what communication he has had from Bath district health authority and any interested parties concerning the future of the St. George's hospital, Semington and Melksham hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieOn 29 June Bath district health authority issued a consultation document on a proposal to re-locate geriatric beds provided at St. George's hospital, Semington. The proposals include the development of a 14-bed geriatric unit at Melksham hospital and a consequential reduction at that hospital in the number of beds available for general practitioners from 38 to 28. The consultation period ends on 30 September.
I understand that the Health Authority has stopped admissions of all elderly patients to St. George's, and of patients to Melksham until the number of patients is reduced to the proposed new level of beds. We have received representations from my hon. Friend the Member for Westbury and from the local community health council expressing concern that action should be taken to implement the proposals before the DHA has considered the results of consultation.
If the community health council opposes the proposals and the regional health authority endorses them then the final decision will be referred to Ministers in the usual way.