HC Deb 27 January 1975 vol 885 cc40-1W
Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made in the construction of alternative hospital accommodation in London and elsewhere to enable patients to be transferred there from Darenth Park Hospital, Dartford.

Dr. Owen

Constraints on the resources which I am able to make available to health authorities mean that there will be some delay in the construction of alternative accommodation for patients from Darenth Park, although my Department and the South-East Thames RHA continue to attach very high priority to this problem. Thirty beds have already been provided in upgraded accommodation at Grove Park Hospital and a further 56 beds should be similarly provided in 1975–76.

Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when phase II of the redevelopment of Darenth Park Hospital, Dartford, will commence.

Dr. Owen

South-East Thames RHA is hopeful that it will be able to make a start on this development in 1975–76.

Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she anticipates the work on the provision of the new 180 bed unit at Darenth Park Hospital, Dartford, will commence.

Dr. Owen

Existing plans provide for this scheme to start around 1980 subject, of course, to the level of resources available at the time.