§ Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements are being made to provide alternative accommodation for the patients who will be displaced when Wooley Hospital, Northumberland, is closed; and when he expects those arrangements to be completed.
§ Dr. OwenThe Northumberland Area Health Authority expects to close the Wooley Hospital by 31st May. Discussions are continuing on arrangements for the transfer to other accommodation of the 76 patients who are at present in the hospital.
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§ Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take in respect of the 70 members of the nursing staff of the Wooley Hospital, Northumberland, who will be made redundant when the hospital is closed.
§ Dr. OwenOf the 70 nursing staff of the Wooley Hospital who have not yet been found alternative employment, seven have said that they do not wish to continue working and three are due to retire. The remaining 60 nurses are being informed of all vacancies in the region as they occur. Twelve of these qualify for redundancy payments under the normal rules for such payments, and will receive such payments if they have not found other appointments by the time the hospital closes.