HC Deb 05 July 1972 vol 840 c154W
Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the provision of hospital services for residents in the Easington constituency; what proposals he has for new hospitals or extension to existing hospitals covering the area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

The Newcastle Regional Hospital Board plan to improve the hospital services by the development of new district general hospitals at Sunderland and Hartlepool and, in the longer term, at Ryhope. The first main phases of the new hospitals at Sunderland and Hartlepool are expected to start by the mid 1970s. New in-patient accommodation has been built at Ryhope Hospital to replace that at Leeholme Hospital closed because of mining subsidence; gynaecology out-patient services have been provided at Thorpe Maternity Hospital; and Peterlee Health Centre is being extended to provide out-patient facilities.