§ Mr. Brayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will define the criteria by which the need for a district general hospital is determined.
§ Sir K. JosephDistrict general hospitals are planned to provide a comprehensive hospital service for that part of a health area which has the population to make economic use of the interdependent diagnostic and treatment services of262W which this is the most efficient focus. Factors in determining the need for such a hospital include assessment of the adequacy of existing facilities, the size, age structure and morbidity of the population to be served and the availability of staff and resources. Accessibility to the public is also an important factor in deciding the location of a general hospital.