§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the future of(a) Dykebar hospital, Paisley and (b) Elderslie hospital; when he last discussed their future with representatives of Renfrewshire Healthcare trust; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend has not received a request from Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS trust for a meeting and there are no current plans for a meeting to be held at a future date.
The Argyll and Clyde health board is committed to developing quality care in the community which in time will lead to increased provision and care support outwith hospital settings.
I understand that the board's draft joint community care plan which covers the period up to 1998 has no specific proposals to close Dykebar hospital.
The future of Elderslie hospital and the reprovision of services was the subject of a detailed public consultation exercise in 1992. It is the health board's intention to close Elderslie hospital once quality replacement community services have been created. Closure will require the consent of the Secretary of State.