HC Deb 18 May 1999 vol 331 cc320-1W
Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the closure of wards at Altrincham General Hospital. [84671]

Mr. Denham

To date, there have been no representations that I am aware of received in this Department.

Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department was first informed of the decision of the Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust to close two wards at Altrincham General Hospital. [84672]

Mr. Denham

The North West Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive first became aware of the proposals to close two wards at Altrincham General Hospital on 8 April 1999.

Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue directions to Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust to suspend its proposed closure of two wards at Altrincham General Hospital until the public consultation required by statute has taken place. [84670]

Mr. Denham

The North West Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive have instructed Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust and Salford and Trafford Health Authority to agree a joint approach on the future of in-patient services for the elderly at Altrincham General Hospital as well as community based services.