HC Deb 19 May 1993 vol 225 cc159-60W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what discussions he has had on the plans for the closure of the Jubilee maternity hospital with(a) the Royal College of Midwives, (b) Belfast city council, (c) the National Childbirth Trust, (d) the Christian Churches in Northern Ireland, (e) the medical, nursing and ancillary staff of the hospital, (f) local Members of Parliament, (g) pregnant mothers and (h) representatives of the welfare organisations serving police and military personnel;

(2) what recent meetings he has held with representatives of the Jubilee Action Group; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

None at this time. The Eastern health and social services board, in whose area the Jubilee maternity hospital is located, is currently engaged in the process of determining its strategy for acute services within the framework set in the Department of Health and Social Services' regional strategy. That process has involved the board in widespread consultation on its "Statement of Intent for general (Acute) Hospital Services within the Eastern Board Area". The consultation period ended on 14 May 1993 and the board, having regard to the comment and representations made during the consultative exercise, is expected to reach its decisions by September 1993. These decisions will, of course, be subject to ministerial endorsement.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many babies are currently delivered annually in the Jubilee maternity hospital; and what percentage of all hospital deliveries in Northen Ireland is represented by this figure.

Mr. Hanley

Of the 25,960 hospital deliveries in Northern Ireland in 1991–92—including live and still births—2,869 were at the Jubilee maternity hospital, representing 11 per cent. of the total.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration was given to issues of(a) security of access and (b) public transport accessibility by the Eastern health board in assessing the future of the Jubilee maternity hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

The board has recently concluded a consultation process on its plans for acute hospital services and has not yet completed its deliberations. It will be some time before it is in a position to submit its conclusions to my noble Friend the Earl of Arran for endorsement.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many letters he has so far received concerning the future of the Jubliee maternity hospital; and how many of those letters supported(a) retention and (b) closure of this facility.

Mr. Hanley

My right hon. and learned Friend has so far received 138 letters concerning the future of the Jubilee maternity hospital, most of which supported the retention of the hospital.