§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on(a) the future of Muckamore Abbey hospital and (b) health care provision for patients currently served by the hospital; and what consultations he has initiated with groups representing patient interests on this subject. [14705]
§ Mr. AncramThe future of Muckamore Abbey hospital is a matter primarily for the Eastern health and social services board, the principal purchaser of its services. The board has consulted widely on this issue holding 19 public meetings. It also met a deputation from the parents and friends of Muckamore Abbey hospital. The board has indicated that the hospital is well placed to continue to provide in-patient specialist treatment services for people with a learning disability and is discussing with the North and West Belfast Trust, which manages the hospital, how this might best be achieved.
Meanwhile, the process is continuing of resettling to the community those patients who no longer have a requirement for in-patient treatment and care. The resettlement of individual patients from the hospital is carefully planned and implemented in order to ensure that their continuing health needs are assessed and met.