§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the num- 476W ber of new hospital places planned by the Essex Area Health Authority in the forthcoming period and the net increase or decrease after taking closures into account.
§ Dr. OwenThe Essex Area Health Authority is hoping to open 496 new hospital beds and 392 day hospital places in the next financial year. The net increase after taking closures into account is expected to be 444 beds and 392 day places.
§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will list the hospital closures at present under consideration in the Essex area and the number of beds involved.
§ Dr. OwenThe health authorities are considering the following for closure in the near future:
- Hillingdon House Convalescent Home—29 beds
- Princess Louise Convalescent Home—20 beds
- Burnham Maternity Home—3 beds.
The Herts and Essex Hospital Maternity Unit—28 beds—is under consideration for later closure. Additionally the Ministry of Defence is planning closure of the Colchester Military Hospital—96 beds—which takes some NHS patients.