HC Deb 05 November 1973 vol 863 cc91-3W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he is satisfied with the reorganisation of the hospital service in Liverpool; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will make a statement on the closure dates of Liverpool National Hospital under the reorganisation of the Health Service; and what the closure dates are to the most recent available date;

(3) if he will make a statement on the setback in the reorganisation of Liverpool hospital services, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Exchange;

(4) what effect industrial troubles, vandalism, and shortage of materials, respectively, have had on the opening of hospitals in Liverpool.

Sir K. Joseph

Two new hospitals for Liverpool are under construction.

The completion date for the contract for the new teaching hospital has been delayed mainly owing to industrial action and inclement weather. Shortage of materials and vandalism have not caused significant delays.

Phase II of the new Fazakerley Hospital has been completed and is being commissioned. Delays amounting to ten and a half months occurred due to industrial action, inclement weather and shortage of labour and materials. Vandalism and theft delayed completion of some departments.

The timing of rationalisations of hospital services must be phased in relation to the commissioning of the new buildings.

Proposals for the rationalisation of services following the opening of the new teaching hospital will be the subject of consultation with local bodies and I will keep in mind the hon. Member's interest.

Rationalisation of services following the opening of Fazakerley Hospital has already been the subject of public consultation and I have approved proposals after taking account of the views expressed by local interests. The plans provide for acute services to be centred at Walton and Fazakerley Hospitals and for the closure of Bootle Hospital and the change of use of Waterloo Hospital in the summer of 1974. It is also planned to close the Stanley Hospital late in 1974 or early in 1975.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the original opening date of the new Liverpool Teaching Hospital; and what is the proposed opening date at the most recent available date.

Mr. Alison

The buildings included in the contract for phase 1 were brought into use between March 1968 and February 1969. The original completion date for the contract for the main hospital buildings was April 1974 to be followed by a commissioning period of nine months but extensions of time have been granted and it is now expected that the contract will be completed in 1976.

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