§ 18. Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the future role of the smaller hospitals in the light of pending restrictions in public spending.
§ Mr. MoyleThe consultative document on priorities for health and personal social services in England described the provision of district general hospitals, supported by smaller hospitals called community hospitals, to cater for patients who do not need or who no longer need the specialised services of a district general hospital. It was always recognised that the establishment of this pattern would be a long-term programme, and that progress would depend on local consultation and economic circumstances.