§ Lord Carterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the proposed closure of in-patient beds at the United Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital and the Hospital for Women, Soho, is to take place before the Tomlinson Committee on London Hospitals reports in the autumn; and. if the closure 17WA does take place before the Tomlinson Committee reports, how such a closure relates to the overall planning of in-patient services in London.
§ Baroness CumberlegeBloomsbury and Islington Health Authority plan to transfer in-patient services from the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital site to University College Hospital in September. The identity of the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson hospital will be safeguarded, as will the valued tradition of providing services for women by women. The proposed transfer aims to protect these services in the face of reduced demand from health care purchasers. It is important that local management takes action now rather than awaiting the outcome of the Tomlinson Inquiry.