§ Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will take urgent action to protect the interests of the patients and staff at Wooley Hospital, Hexham; and whether she can explain the circumstances in which it was announced, without adequate notification or consultation, that this hospital would close.
§ Dr. OwenFollowing receipt of a report from consultant engineers that many buildings at Wooley Hospital are structurally unsound, the Northumberland Area Health Authority has decided that it has no alternative but to evacuate the hospital as soon as possible. The area health authority has made public announcements accordingly and has informed the community health council and staff associations of its decision.
Arrangements are being made for the transfer of the patients to other accommodation. All members of the staff are being interviewed personally by the management with a view to finding other 51W employment within the health service. Where this cannot be achieved redundancy payments will be made.