Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients are presently in Boyd house at the Ards hospital; what capacity is unused at present; and if he will make a statement on the future of Boyd house.
§ Mr. HanleyThere are 37 patients in Boyd house, and 15 beds are presently unoccupied. The organisation of services at local level is a matter for health and social services boards. The Eastern board is currently reviewing its acute hospital services and intends to issue a public consultation document within the next three to four weeks. The outcome of this review will have a bearing on the future role of the Ards hospital in the provision of services to elderly people.