HL Deb 06 February 1989 vol 503 c1422WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are satisfied that the consultation procedures have been fully and properly observed by Worcester Health District over the closure on 1st May 1988 of Ward 12 of the Ronkswood Branch of the Worcester Royal Infirmary.

The Earl of Arran

The Community Health Council Regulations, SI 1985 No. 304, permit a health authority to vary its service provision without allowing time for consultation if the authority is satisfied that such a decision is required in the interests of the service. I understand that the Worcester District Health Authority decided temporarily to close Ward 12 of the Ronkswood Branch of the Worcester Royal Infirmary because of nurse staffing shortages and to enable improvements in the quality of care in other wards. If the authority decided permanently to close or change the use of this ward, I should expect it to consult fully under the normal procedures.