§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations his Department has received, both locally and nationally, concerning the suggested closure of the Wisbech Maternity Hospital.
§ Mr. MoyleMy Department has received representations that the Bowthorpe Maternity Hospital, Wisbech, should not be closed, from or on behalf of seven individuals and organisations.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the annual saving achieved by the suggested closure of the Wisbech Maternity Hospital;
(2) what is the estimated cost to neighbouring hospitals in terms of increased services as a result of the proposed decision to close the Wisbech Maternity Hospital;
(3) what alternative arrangements have been made to cater for maternity cases in the Wisbech area following the suggested closure of the Wisbech Maternity Hospital;
792W(4) what were the reasons for the proposed decision to close the Wisbech Maternity Hospital; and with whom the final decision lies.
§ Mr. MoyleI understand that Norfolk Area Health Authority has commissioned a consultative document with a view to consulting community health councils, local Members of Parliament, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire Area Health Authorities, and other interested bodies, on the proposal to close Bowthorpe Maternity Hospital, Wisbech, making alternative provision for services at the maternity units at King's Lynn District General Hospital and at Peterborough District Hospital. The proposed rationalisation of maternity services is directed towards releasing resources for other health service purposes within the district without adverse effects on the clinical efficiency of the maternity services. The consultative procedure my right hon. Friend has laid down requires the Area Health Authority to refer the matter to him for decision if the Community Health Council objects. In making a decision he would want to take into account alternatives within the available resources suggested by the Community Health Council.
Expenditure in the current financial year on the Bowthorpe Maternity Hospital is estimated at £241,000. I understand that provision of services at King's Lynn and at Peterborough for the Wisbech population is estimated to cost approximately £81,000 and £8,000 a year respectively and that there could be additional expenditure on community services of about £10,000.