§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what consultation his Department is having with the Manchester Regional Hospital Board regarding its decision to increase the number of private and amenity beds at hospitals in the Board's area; by how many the number of private and amenity beds is to be increased; and if he will make a statement;
131W(2) by how many the number of private and amenity beds at hospitals in the Wythenshawe constituency of Manchester is being increased; if the additional private and amenity beds are to be accommodated by extra building or a reallocation of existing space for private rooms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonThe Board has sought my right hon. Friend's approval for a number of changes. For the South Cheshire Group he has authorised a net addition of eight pay beds and 15 amenity beds, and this will ultimately be made up of 20 pay beds and 20 amenity beds at the new Leighton Hospital when it opens next year, with corresponding reductions elsewhere in the group. He is also considering three other applications from the Board, including one for pay beds and amenity beds in Wythenshawe Hospital in the new accommodation when it opens next year.