§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many acute beds there are currently at Broomfield hospital, Chelmsford; and how many there will be in October. [900021]
§ Mr. DenhamThere are currently 568 acute beds at Broomfield hospital, including intensive care, cardiac care and the burns unit. The current ward closure proposals, which form part of the development plan for Mid Essex Hospital Services National Health Service Trust, will be discussed fully at a public meeting being held on 22 July 1999 at 7.30 pm in the Social Hall at St. John's hospital, Chelmsford. Until this meeting has taken place, it would not be appropriate to comment on the future provision of acute beds at Broomfield hospital.