HC Deb 01 July 1976 vol 914 cc286-7W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on current and future provisions of NHS eye hospital services in Birmingham

Dr. Owen

At present there are 126 opthalmology beds in Birmingham hospitals, with 96 of these in the Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital. The service provided also covers a population outside Birmingham. The health authorities are fully aware of the urgent need to re-provide opthalmic services and a working party has been set up to review existing services, to recommend improvements, and to resolve the continuing difficulties over the future of the Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital. The working party has already made a number of recommendations which are currently being considered by interested bodies, including staff and professional interests and community health councils. The results of these consultations will be considered by the Birmingham Area Health Authority (Teaching) at its meeting in September.