§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
When the additional orthopaedic beds at Worcester Royal Infirmary which were to have been available in April 1987, as advised to Lady Mar by Lady Trumpington in January 1987, would be released; and whether when they are released there will be sufficient funding for the nursing staff necessary for the beds to be used immediately for elective orthopaedic surgery without adversely affecting existing nursing services at the hospital.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Lord Skelmersdale)I am not aware of any statement made by my noble friend Lady Trumpington on this matter. It is for local management to determine, in the light of the competing demands on their resources, whether Worcester's orthopaedic services should he expanded. The noble Countess may therefore wish to write to the chairman of Worcester and District Health Authority for the information she is seeking.