HC Deb 21 July 1975 vol 896 cc92-3W
Mr. Gow

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many registrars will be appointed in the new District General Hospital in Eastbourne; what are the types of surgery in which these registrars will specialise; and what is the date on which she expects the new hospital to be operating.

Dr. Owen

Four existing registrar posts in acicdent and emergency, anaesthetics, ENT and general surgery will transfer to the new hospital; and there has been an application for five additional posts in ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery, urology and orthopaedic surgery. It is expected that the new hospital will be brought into operation between December 1975 and March 1976.

Mr. Gow

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she expects phase one of the new Eastbourne District General Hospital to be completed; and when she expects phase two to start.

Dr. Owen

Phase I in October 1975. In the circumstances explained by my hon. Friend during the Adjournment debate on 14th July—[Vol. 895, c. 1235–40.]—no date can be given for the start of Phase 2. Much will depend on future levels of public expenditure and the implication of this for NHS expenditure.