81. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware that uncertainty over the future of Bearsted Maternity Hospital at Hampton Court is preventing staff and patients being taken on there; and when 18W he expects to reach a decision on the future of the hospital.
§ Mr. CrossmanI have given most careful consideration to the future of the Bearsted Memorial Hospital, Hampton Court, taking account not only of the recommendations made to me by the regional hospital board but also of local opinion. I am aware that this hospital is held in high regard locally, but I have decided that the right course is to close it. All but two of the existing patients are now medically fit for discharge, and arrangements have been made for the transfer to other hospitals in the area of the others—whose babies are not due for several weeks—and of booked patients not yet admitted. The hospital will therefore close today, and the staff are being offered alternative employment in the area.