§ Mr. Goodladasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations have been held in connection with the proposed closures of Davenham Hospital, the Oakmere Rehabilitation Centre and Tarporley War Memorial Hospital.
§ Mr. MoyleThe consultative procedures to be followed in relation to proposals for the closure or change of use of health buildings are set out in Circular HSC(IS)207 which was issued to all health authorities in October 1975. No consultations have been undertaken in connection with the future use of Davenham Hospital, since the Cheshire Area Health Authority has been awaiting my Department's approval for it to proceed to formal consultation, which was given on 6th October. The AHA issued a consultative document in July this year on its proposal for the closure of Oakmere Rehabilitation Centre. There have been no formal consultations about the future of Tarporley War Memorial Hospital, the AHA having resolved to defer a decision thereon until January 1977.
§ Mr. Goodladasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about his future plans for (a) Davenham Hospital, (b) Oakmere Rehabilitation Centre and (c) Tarporley War Memorial Hospital.
§ Mr. MoyleIt is for the Cheshire Health Authority to plan the part to be played by these hospitals in the future health services of the area. I understand that it is proposing to withdraw the general practitioner maternity services from Davenham Hospital and has in mind its possible development as a community hospital. It is at present considering comments on a consultative document proposing the closure of Oakmere Rehabilitation Centre. The area health authority is expecting to produce a consultative document early next year about the future of Tarporley War Memorial Hospital. Any114W closure or change of use would depend on the outcome of its consultations.
§ Mr. Goodladasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what special transport facilities he considers would be necessary, and what would be the cost, if the following hospitals were closed: (a) Davenham Hospital, (b) Oakmere Rehabilitation Centre and (c) Tarporley War Memorial Hospital.
§ Mr. MoyleThe nature of such special facilities, if any, would largely depend on the future pattern of hospital services which has yet to be settled. If it were proposed to close or change the use of any health building, the consultative document issued in accordance with Departmental Circular HSC(IS)207 would have to cover, among other matters, the implications for patients, such as travelling and transport.