HC Deb 25 May 1989 vol 153 cc721-2W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the secretary of State for Health what discussions(a) his Department, (b) the Yorkshire regional health authority and (c) the Wakefield district health authority have had or plan to have with relatives of the late Mr. Benjamin Sykes, the benefactor of the hospital, regarding the proposed closure of Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield.

Mr. Freeman

Neither the Department of Health, the Yorkshire regional health authority, nor the Wakefield district health authority has any record of discussions with relatives of the late Benjamin Sykes, and there are no plans for such discussions. The hospital site and buildings were vested in the Secretary of State under the NHS Act 1946 free of any trust.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which treatments previously available to patients at Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield, are not currently available in alternative hospitals within the Wakefield health authority.

Mr. Freeman

Infectious disease beds were provided at Snapethorpe hospital until 1978, when the service was transferred to Seacroft hospital, Leeds Eastern health authority. Pre-convalescent beds were provided at Snapethorpe hospital until 1979 and are not currently provided within the district. These service changes were consulted upon at the time and endorsed by the local community health council.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 22 May, what information he has as to who instructed Wakefield district health authority to withdraw from discussions with the Wakefield district council regarding the possibility of a scheme of joint use of Snapethorpe hospital; and what were the reasons for this instruction.

Mr. Freeman

None. This is a matter for the Wakefield district health authority in consultation with the Yorkshire regional health authority.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his reply of 22 May, if he will require a report from the Wakefield health authority as to why plans for the building of houses on the site of Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield, were drawn up by officers of that authority before the members of the authority had resolved to close the hospital.

Mr. Freeman

No. As I indicated in my reply of 22 May, at column414, such matters are for the Wakefield health authority in consultation with the regional health authority.