HC Deb 15 April 2003 vol 404 c95W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the current state of discussions is about the future of St. Ebba's Hospital.[107267]

Ms Blears

There have been several meetings involving the Department, the Patient & Relatives Group (PARG), the Surrey Learning Disability Partnership Board, the relevant health authority (HAs) and trusts to discuss the future of St. Ebba's Hospital.

PARG were asked to produce a preliminary feasibility study to reflect the number of residents that a village community could meet, the range of facilities required and the financial robustness of the proposal. The HA and the Surrey Learning Disability Partnership Board have considered the study and have recently forwarded their recommendations to the Department.

Ministers are currently considering these recommendations and will make a decision shortly.